ERIC Number: EJ1315561
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Feb
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2381-473X
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Available Date: N/A
Considering the Language Disorder Label Debate from a School Speech-Language Pathology Lens
Murza, Kimberly A.; Ehren, Barbara J.
Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, v5 n1 p47-54 Feb 2020
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to situate the recent language disorder label debate within a school's perspective. As described in two recent "The ASHA Leader" articles, there is international momentum to change "specific language impairment to developmental language disorder." Proponents of this change cite increased public awareness and research funding as part of the rationale. However, it is unclear whether this label debate is worthwhile or even practical for the school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP). A discussion of the benefits and challenges to a shift in language disorder labels is provided. Conclusions: Although there are important arguments for consistency in labeling childhood language disorder, the reality of a label change in U.S. schools is hard to imagine. School-based services are driven by eligibility through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which has its own set of labels. There are myriad reasons why advocating for the "developmental language disorder" label may not be the best use of SLPs' time, perhaps the most important of which is that school SLPs have other urgent priorities.
Descriptors: Language Impairments, Labeling (of Persons), Developmental Disabilities, Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Personnel, Eligibility, Equal Education, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Students with Disabilities, Definitions, Speech Therapy, Individualized Instruction
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 800-638-8255; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: perspectives@asha.org; https://perspectives.pubs.asha.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
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Author Affiliations: N/A