Reply to Does anyone get defensive when it is suggested SOME kids with language disorders MAY have ADHD too?

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Reply to "Does anyone get defensive when it is suggested SOME kids with language disorders MAY have ADHD too?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] &lt;&lt;&lt;Most experts agree that one of the most important keys to unlocking a child on the spectrum's potential is speech and language therapy-the more the better. So, yes with intensive ST both those with MERLD and those with ASD can often improve substantially.

I think if you stop focusing on the labels and pay attention to the presentation many kids with MERLD label are getting the same accomodations and intervention as those with ASD labels and yes the prognosis can be quite good for both groups. &gt;&gt;&gt;

Is the treatment the same? IE - how do you get a kid with merld to significantly improve his ability to communicate (ie practical language). Is it through ABA?[/quote]

People who specialize in language disorders will tell you the treatment is NOT the same for MERLD and Autism. The underlying problems are not identical, the etiology is different. MERLD kids rarely need true ABA, because they are socially motivated. A MERLD child doesn't respond appropriately because he has no idea what you are saying. He gets frustrated, he shuts down.  The receptive part slowly gets better over time, and targeting words, first nouns, then verbs, then stringing words together often work best. Speaking at the child's utterance length plus one word helps a child progress more quickly.

A PP makes the point that both MERLD kids and Autistic or Asperger's child improves with time. The difference is, once a MERLD child's language catches up, he'll be almost indistinguishable from a typical child -- his core issue is gone, he understands language and responds appropriately, not because he was taught or is "coping," but because he simply understands what's being said to him. (I say almost because school tends to remain difficult as the verbal load is so heavy and so quick.) The autistic child whose language comes in is still autistic and has the core social issues that are the defining hallmark of autism. [/quote]

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