Expressive Communication

Expressive Language is the communication by individuals, also commonly referred to as “talking”. An expressive language disorder is most often seen in children. Expressive language disorder is a communication disorder where difficulties with verbal and written expression are present. This disorder is characterized by an ability to use expressive spoken language that is significantly below the average child. Problems and symptoms within the disorder can include:

• Lacks ability to express thoughts, needs, or wants at same level as peers
• Trouble producing complex sentences
• Difficulty remembering words
• Abnormalities in articulation
• Difficulties expressing through speech
• Child has less extensive vocabulary than peers

Therapy for expressive language disorder is provided primarily through speech therapy. Children can work one-on-one with a speech therapist on a regular schedule to practice and improve speech ad communication skills. Additionally the therapists, parents, teachers, and other individuals involved with working with the child will work to incorporate spoken language that the child needs to improve upon into everyday activities and play.

Break Cards:

Children with autism often struggle with appropriately communication their wants and needs. By using a “break card”, autistic children and other individuals with communication disorders can have a way to express their need for a break during an activity to help calm them when they are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

Choice Cards:

Choice cards are visual aids to assist children either with autism or who are non-verbal to help communicate what they want or need to do. Usually students are shown a small variety of cards with pictures on them of what choices they have for a given activity they are getting ready to do. For example if the child is getting ready to go on the playground they may have the following choice cards: (slide, swing, sandbox, tricycles) Depending on the child more or less choice will be provide and using the cards the child can select the activity in which they want to participate in without having to use oral language.