Which approach should an SLP take when working with a child who struggles with auditory comprehension?

When working with a child who struggles with auditory comprehension, concentrating therapy on enhancing auditory language skills is the most effective approach. This focus allows the speech-language pathologist to address the specific difficulties the child faces in processing and understanding verbal information. Enhancing auditory language skills can involve activities like listening to and following directions, answering questions about auditory materials, or engaging in discussions that require comprehension of spoken language.

By specifically targeting auditory processing, the therapist can tailor interventions that build the child’s ability to decode and interpret sounds, words, and sentences, which are foundational for successful comprehension. The strategies might include using visual supports alongside auditory input, modeling clear language, and engaging in interactive listening exercises that promote understanding in context.

Other approaches, such as broad linguistic tasks, while they may touch on various aspects of language, do not focus specifically on the auditory component, which is crucial for a child struggling with comprehension. Techniques focused on reading fluency or self-talk strategies would be more relevant to other aspects of language development rather than directly addressing auditory processing issues.