In children diagnosed with expressive language delay, which approach is crucial for therapy?

In children diagnosed with expressive language delay, which approach is crucial for therapy?

• A. Encouraging spontaneous speech
• B. Emphasizing grammar rules
• C. Praising only correct responses
• D. Focusing on rote memorization

Answer: (A)

Encouraging spontaneous speech is vital in therapy for children with expressive language delay because it promotes natural language use and helps children learn to express their thoughts and feelings more effectively. This approach creates opportunities for children to practice language skills in a supportive environment, where they can experiment with word combinations and sentence structures without the pressure of strict grammatical rules. By focusing on spontaneous speech, therapists can observe how children communicate in real-time, which informs personalized therapy goals and strategies. It also helps build the child's confidence in their ability to communicate, as they learn that their ideas and expressions are valued. Additionally, this method encourages social interaction and language use in meaningful contexts, leading to better retention and generalization of skills learned during therapy. In contrast, emphasizing grammar rules can sometimes lead to increased pressure and anxiety, potentially hindering the child's willingness to engage in communication. Praising only correct responses can discourage children from attempting to express themselves freely, and focusing on rote memorization does not foster the natural language development needed to support effective communication skills. Therefore, promoting spontaneous speech is a foundational approach in addressing expressive language delays.

Encouraging spontaneous speech is vital in therapy for children with expressive language delay because it promotes natural language use and helps children learn to express their thoughts and feelings more effectively. This approach creates opportunities for children to practice language skills in a supportive environment, where they can experiment with word combinations and sentence structures without the pressure of strict grammatical rules.

By focusing on spontaneous speech, therapists can observe how children communicate in real-time, which informs personalized therapy goals and strategies. It also helps build the child's confidence in their ability to communicate, as they learn that their ideas and expressions are valued. Additionally, this method encourages social interaction and language use in meaningful contexts, leading to better retention and generalization of skills learned during therapy.

In contrast, emphasizing grammar rules can sometimes lead to increased pressure and anxiety, potentially hindering the child's willingness to engage in communication. Praising only correct responses can discourage children from attempting to express themselves freely, and focusing on rote memorization does not foster the natural language development needed to support effective communication skills. Therefore, promoting spontaneous speech is a foundational approach in addressing expressive language delays.