10 Ways Children With Language Disorders Can Maintain Both Physical Distance and Social Connection

Social distancing—or more accurately, physical distancing—is now our way of life. As difficult as it is, it’s our new normal, at least for the short term.  Even with physical distance, we find ways to connect socially. We call or use video chats to stay in touch with friends and family, email jokes or stories, and post on social media. Other community activities continue virtually: worship services, fitness classes, concerts, and more. We discover ways to maintain social distance without losing social connections. Children with language disorders, however, find social interactions challenging in the best of times. So physical distancing can potentially aggravate their communication issues. They won’t have as many chances to practice social communication skills with a range of communication partners in a variety of school and community settings. Physical distance, though, doesn’t have to mean social distance—even for children with language disorders. Speech-languages pathologists build social communication skills—verbal and nonverbal—through a variety of strategies. Treatment sessions certainly aren’t the same now. But SLPs can still help children and families through this difficult period using service delivery models such as telepractice and home programs. Try sharing some or all of these suggestions via telepractice with clients and families to help children with language disorders interact socially while maintaining safe physical distance: Social scree...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology Augmentative Alternative Communication Autism Spectrum Disorder COVID-19 Language Disorders social skills Source Type: blogs