Children with difficult behaviors often have unrecognized language barriers. Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between behavioral-mood disorders [BED] and language barriers. Approximately 55% to 72% of children with behavioral-dysphoric problems also have some type of language problem. For some people, it may be like chicken and eggs. Which one comes first? Language or behavioral issues? No matter how it starts, there is no doubt that language affects behavior, and this behavior affects language. Those with behavioral emotional difficulties may have difficulty understanding people's speech and it is difficult to express their ideas in words. The most affected area of ​​language is the social use of language – communicating with others in everyday life; this is called pragmatic language. Language and language pathologists are professionals who can determine if a language problem exists and whether the language is minor or severe. Unfortunately, speech pathologists are often overlooked because behavioral problems are the number one issue.

I often hear the answer "This is just behavior", "He knows when he wants to", "He is just stubborn" or other similar statement. One of the memories that stood out in my mind was when I was asked to evaluate a fourteen-year-old boy. This is the first time his language has been checked. The assessment showed that language skills were delayed for six years; his language was the same as the eight-year-old language. When language barriers are not discovered, it affects not only communication but also self-esteem.

Every child with behavioral problems needs and should have a language assessment. Language assessment will be able to discover your child's ability to understand, the ability to speak, and how he uses language in everyday life. Knowing your child's language skills can also help develop an appropriate education program, assist with a behavioral intervention program, and provide useful information to your child's counselor or psychologist.

Language and Children's Behavior – Can language barriers cause children's behavior problems? was originally published on Spring