SPD And Language Delays

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SPD And Language Delays

by Jessi
(Texas)

My son, AJ, was recently diagnosed with the following:

1. Developmental Delay (not pervasive)
2. Mixed Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder
3. Idiosyncratic Autistic Behaviors (not Autistic)
4. Sensory Integration Dysfunction

This week we went to a Children's Therapy center and AJ was evaluated for speech therapy and OT. He will begin getting both therapies, twice a week, next week.

My question has to do with his language skills. So much of what I have read on this site and others, is very helpful, but there is virtually no mention of children, like AJ, who have SPD and also a language disorder. I feel sometimes that he suffers even more because much of the time he cannot even tell me what is bothering him. He is almost 3 1/2 and has finally picked up some words, but he is still very difficult to understand most of the time.

I suppose I just wondered if there were some parents out there who had this problem who could offer me some advice about what to do when he is out of control and cannot tell me what is causing problems for him.

Since reading (a ton!) of information about SPD, I have found that when he's upset, it helps to just lay on top of him. I remembered that he always likes to hug me that way at night, and when he wakes up at night, he lays on top of me. However, being able to calm him down doesn't address the issue that I often don't know what set him off in the first place.

Just for background info:
AJ, as a baby, reached many of his milestones just before it was time to really worry. For example, he sat up at 9 months, army crawled until 12 months when he finally got on all fours, then walked at 16 months. As far as language goes, it seemed apparent to me that he was behind, but people (and doctors I might add) would tell me he was just a boy, and launch into a story about how their son/grandson/nephew/etc. didn't talk until they were three years old. Problem is, 3 has come and gone, and he is just now beginning to understand some things, but still doesn't talk understandably very much. ECI worked with us from the time he was 2 until he was 3, at which time he was evaluated by the school and I was informed that he no longer required any more help. (Nevermind that I've now been told by a developmental pediatrician that he has the language skills of a 24 month old!) So we are waiting to be reevaluated for that. He did make some huge improvements from 2 to 3, but they all had to do with his social skills. I have since realized that he was experiencing some trauma due to the life we lived when I was still married to his father, and now that we have removed ourselves from that situation, he is much happier.

So that's us, and I would love to get any suggestions any of you have to offer. Or just to read your story. Sometimes I feel a little down when all I read about is "gifted" children who have SPD. AJ may not be "gifted" as far as speaking and learning goes, but he is a gift in all the lives that he is a part of.

The SPD Q & A Answers...

Oh, a language disorder AND SPD is so common! You are definitely NOT alone by any stretch of the imagination. I want you to know that and I will indeed direct you to other parents who KNOW what it is like to be in your shoes!

Before I do that, I want you to know I was doing some "research" into your submission by asking my sister, who is a speech pathologist, some questions. I wanted to make sure I was informed about the similarities and differences with two language disorders that are common in SPD kids. This is why it took me a few days to get this submission posted. Anyway, I was checking into the differences and underlying causes of receptive/expressive language disorders and auditory processing delays, since we very frequently see auditory processing issues in our SPD kiddos. She wrote this in response to my email to her:

"Regarding your questions as I understand them....

A receptive/expressive language disorder can coexist with auditory processing issues but one would not 'cause' the other. Auditory processing may look like a receptive language delay to some degree, however, with a comprehensive evaluation it should be possible to determine which is the primary deficit. For "central auditory processing" which I assume is the type of auditory processing you are referring to-- where the brain does not always process the auditory message correctly (not to be confused w/ a hearing loss because they would have normal hearing acuity) that is diagnosed by an audiologist and requires that the child be 8 years of age for the assessment to be most reliable (some audiologists will do it earlier but the reason for waiting has to do with maturation of the neural pathways). Given her son's age, other diagnoses, and the expressive language disorder, as well as receptive, I would not suspect an auditory processing delay at this time.

As far as an underlying cause for the language disorder that could be any number of factors!

Hope that makes some sense and is helpful."

The reason I tell you this? I want you to keep those words in mind as he matures... auditory processing, as it may be something to keep your eye on. Information regarding auditory processing, even now, in my opinion, may very well help you. It is common with our SPD kiddos who have difficulty processing any of so many types of sensory input and messages. Some of the tips and tricks for helping kids with language disorders such as your son's can also be similar to those with an auditory processing delay, so I thought you may find more information about other kids with SPD and language delays by doing some research into this as well. Even though it is NOT the diagnosis he has, or may ever have, the information may still be "relevant". Does that make sense?

Anyway, what I suggest you do, until others post a response or story here (as you requested) is for you to join over 1,000 other parents online who are also raising children diagnosed with SPD. It is a wonderful group of amazing people that can validate you, listen to you, share their experiences, advise and opinions. I do believe once you join this online support group you will never feel alone again. And the opportunities in there for sharing and learning? Amazing!! You will feel the warmth of 1,000 angels wrapping their arms around you! Here is the link for you to join our yahoo support group... AllAboutKids. I think you will find this experience amazingly helpful and rewarding. They will welcome you with open arms. And I know for a fact there are MANY other parents in there who have kids also diagnosed with language disorders!

One more thought regarding treatment and help... please make sure the OT and SLP are both addressing the underlying SPD in his treatment sessions, ok? Watch what they do in therapy and do the same things at home. Get involved in the therapy as much as you possibly can. And get a good home program going that complements what they do in his therapy sessions. Progress will be much faster the more invested you are. I know you will anyway, so I probably don't even need to say that ;0) but I feel obligated to, you know?

Lastly, I want you to know, to really know, your experiences with your son are very common and with the help of therapy and other parents who share similar struggles, things WILL get better, they will. You are a wonderful mom! Getting him the help he needs. Being so concerned about him, reaching out for help, getting the proper evaluations for him so early in life. He is a lucky kid to have YOU... a mom that loves him so much, is advocating for him and reaching out for the treatment he needs. Your relationship and understanding of him will only get better from here with therapy. And your ability to see and acknowledge his "giftedness"? Brought tears to my eyes!!

I hope others respond here to your request for stories and thoughts about how to help him, and you, and let you know you are not alone in your struggles.

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SPD And Language Delays

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Aug 26, 2008
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Language Disorder
by: Laura

My son was diagnosed with Mixed Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder earlier this year. Prior to that I knew something was wrong. He had such trouble with following direction and my Dr. would tell me he's a boy, that's normal. I finally had him evaluated in June 2007 and Chicago Public Schools labeled him developmentally delayed. Earlier this year I went to a Dr. for a diagnoses and that's when we heard about the Mixed Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder. He receives speech once a week in school. He will be receive speech once a week outside of school as well. Our insurance won't pay for it, but we'll do it anyway.

My greatest concern will be his interaction with kids his age at school. He'll be starting K next week. I know kids tend to get frustrated with him because he can't follow directions to games.

I was so happy to find this page, most forums I find are very outdated, there doesn't seem to be a lot of information on this disorder on the internet.

Jul 28, 2008
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SPD and Language Disorder
by: Mary

My son was diagnosed with a severe specific language disorder when he was still three. Aged 9 he was assessed as having the language age skills of a kindergartner and not surprisingly his social and academic skills were in the same ball park.

After years of failure from education and medical professionals we his parents figured from research that sensory processing might be the underlying cause of his problems and that his severe language difficulty (receptive expressive comprehension etc) was likely a symptom. He was subsequently diagnosed with auditory processing disorder and this transpired to be his biggest sensory deficit with abnormality across all areas of auditory function. Imagine that being undiagnosed and unremediated for so many years and having to survive in a mainstream school environment!

It is fundamentally clear to us now that we were correct because he has made excellent progress. If you correctly assess and implement suitable remediation for sensory processing difficulties very early then the gains are going to be greater because neural development at the right developmental time is important for successful language development. With our son the failure to diagnose and treat severe auditory dysfunction from an early age may mean that because vital physiological milestones were not met within the right period (eg auditory maturation is neurally driven by age)and so as a result some windows for
language development may be closed but so far he continues to make gains from various therapies which for the moment seems to suggest that he has language delay and not disorder because his language ability is responding and improving with remediation.

Language development is dependent on all our sensory processes working together, deal with the sensory deficits and you are likely to create the opportunity for language development.

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Jul 28, 2008
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Submitted by: Mary

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My son was diagnosed with a severe specific language disorder when he was still three. Aged 9 he was assessed as having the language age skills of a kindergartner and not surprisingly his social and academic skills were in the same ball park. After years of failure from education and medical professionals we his parents figured from research that sensory processing might be the underlying cause of his problems and that his severe language difficulty (receptive expressive comprehension etc) was likely a symptom. He was subsequently diagnosed with auditory processing disorder and this transpired to be his biggest sensory deficit with abnormality across all areas of auditory function. Imagine that being undiagnosed and unremediated for so many years and having to survive in a mainstream school environment! It is fundamentally clear to us now that we were correct because he has made excellent progress. If you correctly assess and implement suitable remediation for sensory processing difficulties very early then the gains are going to be greater because neural development at the right developmental time is important for successful language development. With our son the failure to diagnose and treat severe auditory dysfunction from an early age may mean that because vital physiological milestones were not met within the right period (eg auditory maturation is neurally driven by age)and so as a result some windows for language development may be closed but so far he continues to make gains from various therapies which for the moment seems to suggest that he has language delay and not disorder because his language ability is responding and improving with remediation. Language development is dependent on all our sensory processes working together, deal with the sensory deficits and you are likely to create the opportunity for language development.

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Jun 24, 2008
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Also OT and speech therapy
by: Anonymous

My son has OT and speech therapy 2 times a week! So I know what your going through! When I came on here I didn't see anyone that had language delays either but my son does too.

Feb 28, 2008
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Thank goodness
by: sally r-v

Thank goodness I have found this web site. Our four year old girl has run the mill of testing over the previous 14 months. Between being told she has dyspraxia, language disorder, and affected processing issues believed to be caused by a spot in the brain (2 mm in size) that didn't receive blood in utetro.

This is something we can handle I'm sure but I struggle with what seems inconsistent information about what and how much help she needs. I don't like to refer to it as abnormal or bad because she wouldn't be our Lilly if she was any other way. She is a happy, contented child with a beautiful disposition.

Generally I don't like to discuss the worry or how fear for my child hurts beyond belief because this isn't about me but our little Lil. But I'm sick of feeling foolish for reacting to a piece of news such as 'we are deeply concerned and hope she should be able to do her own shopping', to find a week later they are surprised that this was upsetting for a day, and then find it being down played because it made the mum feel a bit sad.

Has anyone else experienced this and is it too much to ask for a straight diagnoses even if it makes the parent sad. We will get over it and we need to know so we can help our kids!

Oct 24, 2007
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Update
by: Anonymous

Hi Michele,

I never wrote you after you responded to my comments about AJ on the link in your website used to ask questions (forget what it's called!). I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your response. He's been in therapy for two and a half weeks now, and I've seen some changes. In some ways he seems worse, but I saw a response you wrote to another person's question where you said sometimes they seem a little worse for a bit.

Something that he really responds to with the therapists (and I've witnessed) is the picture schedule. It's really amazing! He has an EXTREMELY difficult time with transitions, and the picture schedule really helps him. The therapist is making a morning set and an evening set for us based off of a list I made for her of the order of events we follow during those times. We are going on a 5 day vacation this weekend, so I'm hoping they will help.

Another thing we have begun is the brushing. I notice an immediate change after we do this! Even when he still becomes stubborn and resistant, there are not the screaming, hitting, out-of-control, fits there used to be. I bought three of the books you suggested on your website, and have started reading The Out-of-Sync Child first.

Thank you SO much for your website and your answers to all of our questions. You're right, it is much better knowing that my son is not the only one. I used to get so frustrated. When we go out together, I always get stares, scowls, and often, unwanted advice. I look much younger than I am, so I think people assume I'm just not a good mother. I even get a little bit of a bad vibe from the director at his preschool, but his teacher seems to like both of us, so it's working out. So my morale is improving!!

Thanks again,
Jessi

Awwww... what great news! (Oh, and you are welcome... responding to your thanking me). So glad to hear the progress Jessi!! Have FUN on your trip. You're right... you are NOT alone. It sounds like you are handling the good with the not so good very well and finding the positive things where you can... fantastic!! Keep up the good work. I wish you continued success. Know there are thousands here, if you need us! Give AJ a hug for us... we are cheering for him!

Hugs to you, a wonderful mom and advocate.

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Oct 24, 2007
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Comment
Hi Michele, I never wrote you after you responded to my comments about AJ on the link in your website used to ask questions (forget what it's called!). I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your response. He's been in therapy for two and a half weeks now, and I've seen some changes. In some ways he seems worse, but I saw a response you wrote to another person's question where you said sometimes they seem a little worse for a bit. Something that he really responds to with the therapists (and I've witnessed) is the picture schedule. It's really amazing! He has an EXTREMELY difficult time with transitions, and the picture schedule really helps him. The therapist is making a morning set and an evening set for us based off of a list I made for her of the order of events we follow during those times. We are going on a 5 day vacation this weekend, so I'm hoping they will help. Another thing we have begun is the brushing. I notice an immediate change after we do this! Even when he still becomes stubborn and resistant, there are not the screaming, hitting, out-of-control, fits there used to be. I bought three of the books you suggested on your website, and have started reading The Out-of-Sync Child first. Thank you SO much for your website and your answers to all of our questions. You're right, it is much better knowing that my son is not the only one. I used to get so frustrated. When we go out together, I always get stares, scowls, and often, unwanted advice. I look much younger than I am, so I think people assume I'm just not a good mother. I even get a little bit of a bad vibe from the director at his preschool, but his teacher seems to like both of us, so it's working out. So my morale is improving!! Thanks again, Jessi Awwww... what great news! (Oh, and you are welcome... responding to your thanking me). So glad to hear the progress Jessi!! Have FUN on your trip. You're right... you are NOT alone. It sounds like you are handling the good with the not so good very well and finding the positive things where you can... fantastic!! Keep up the good work. I wish you continued success. Know there are thousands here, if you need us! Give AJ a hug for us... we are cheering for him! Hugs to you, a wonderful mom and advocate.

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