Your PM's are full; so here it goes. I don't mind sharing, it's just long...so everyone else beware.;)
My DS5 has expressive language disorder. A few of the things you've said hit a chord with me. Large vocab, but not spoken; grammar problems; grasping for the right words at times (in my DS's case) especially when he's excited about something. Asking about the definition of 3rd or 4th difficult word. He (my DS) probably forgot the earlier ones.:) although, he has a crazy (weird-good) memory with some things. My DS prefers to figure things out by himself, usually; but just started asking definition questions. Here is a definition Of ELD from an article on it: ["Expressive language disorder (DSM 315.31) is a communication disorder which is characterised by having a limited vocabulary and grasp of grammar. It is a general language impairment that puts the person onto the level of a younger person and also a person can be as young as 2 or 3 years old with the disorder.
As well as present speech production, very often, someone will have difficulty remembering things. This memory problem is only disturbing for speech; non-verbal or non-linguistically based memory will be unimpaired.
Expressive language disorder affects work and schooling in many ways. It is usually treated by specific speech therapy, and usually cannot be expected to go away on its own."]
The time4learning we use is great for him...very visual and I'll then add a short worksheet or manipulative if he seems like he's not getting it. He also, as you've voiced on a different thread, like your DS, seems sometimes to not be trying; but in actuality he is taking a minute to absorb it. Then he knows it. One other thing about my DS is that since he doesn't always get the definition of the word due to context, he also takes some words more literally, if they have 2 or more meanings. eg. We were talking about chance/probability (math) and the unit asked which was more "likely" to be picked out of a bowl, one of the 10 blue blocks, or one of the two orange blocks. Well, he "liked" Orange; so that's what he picked. lol. When I changed the verbage he got it. This too is associated with the disorder.
If it doesn't seem to fit, we are all just more informed.:)
My DS has a crazy (good) memory, is reading at almost 2nd grade; but doesn't like to unless it's in his time4learning.com unit. He has over 250 sight words, which he prefers to phonics. He has a huge vocaublary; i.e., if you asked what something was that was a difficult word - he would know it; but wouldnt use it in his speech.
Okay, last thing, a good SLP would be able to pick out expressive or receptive language problems at this point, which covers a lot of your worries. And if they work in an office that has OT's and have specific specialties themselves in other things they would be able to rule out other things because they help kids with CAPD, etc. SLP's are instrumental in the therapy of CAPD.
Have to go. Hope it helped some. I didn't review this; so there may be errors.
Hugs!
Last edited by Mom0405; 05/16/10 08:39 PM.
