Many parents, educators, and practitioners have encountered the day-to-day frustrations associated with weak executive functioning in teens. While some delay in executive functioning is to be expected as the frontal lobes are not fully developed in adolescence, some teens experience more significant weakness, which can affect academics and family relationships.
If the child shows one or more of these symptoms, a speech-language evaluation is warranted. The SLP can then take the lead, setting up a team as needed to assess for other possible co-existing disorders. Then, addressing all challenges, including specific language goals, the team can work together to improve quality of life for children like Janelle, Malika, Joey, and Elena.
A child’s ability to converse easily with others can lead to success in school, in friendships, and in life. When a child is reluctant to speak outside the family, it can be frustrating for all involved. If the situation is severe, the child may be diagnosed with “selective mutism.” How can we help? Here’s a few “don’t”s:
Reading, Writing, ‘Rithmetic— the three “R”s have been around for centuries! But research has found that the ability to read is an underlying skill for the other two “R”s. So what underlies reading? Many skills. However, two additional “R”s, rhythm and rhyme, are at the forefront.
