Assessing Speech and Language Disorders in Multilingual Children

Author Information

Karla Calvo

Abstract/Description

The role of a speech-language pathologist is constantly evolving, working with different populations for communication disorders. One of those populations is working with multilingual learners as they can have similar disorders, presenting at birth or through acquired injuries or diseases. The diversity of cultures presents multiple languages growing in sevAeral states due to the increase in multilingual children. There are issues when assessing an underlying problem of a multilingual child based on different factors. How does their input of one language impact their use of their other language? Families may speak multiple languages while the child must switch between each language. These individuals might have a disability impairing their speech and language skills. Multilingual children are open to limitless potential within their future careers with their knowledge of languages. These children have a large vocabulary library, better working memory, and are effective in multitasking (Wang & Li, 2020). In some respects, their exposure to both languages can impact their social and communication skills. Their environment and personal life factor into the needs of multilingual children for speech-language pathologists to consider. Learning multiple languages should not categorize a child as unintelligible. Instead, with proper assessment testing and consideration of several factors in a multilingual child's learning, the benefits of learning more than one language outweigh the problems and can be used to overcome challenges.

Note on the Author

Karla Calvo (she/her) is a 2024 graduate who majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders with minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Special Education Inclusive Practices. Her research was completed during the fall semester of 2023 for her Clinical Practices class for Dr. Karen Aicher (Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders). She wanted to further her research by collaborating with Professor Lou Ann Falls (Coordinator of Tutoring for Multilingual Students) in the spring semester by presenting at the StARs Symposium in April 2024. Karla plans to attend graduate school at UMass Amherst and receive her master's in speech-language pathology.

Recommended Citation

Calvo, Karla (2024). Assessing Speech and Language Disorders in Multilingual Children. Undergraduate Review, 18, 64-71.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol18/iss1/9

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