Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 3/18/2004

Question
Hello. I live in Ohio. I have a 4 year old son that has been diagnosed as ADHDand is getting ready to go to speech therapy. I am getting stressed out by not knowing how to deal with him. He is not on Medications by my choice. But I cannot communicate with him. He is always in his own world. And like the doctor said, he has great language skills but he cannot properly communicate with anyone. He cannot answer simple questions unless they are yes or no questions. I jsut wish I could know how to communicate with him easier.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Thanks for asking me your question.  

What diagnosis does your child have in the area of speech?  You may want to investigate signing (if your son has good motor skill & even if he doesn't) or some type of picture communication.  You may want to check out a book called Baby Signs and be sure to ask your speech therapist about this and any other concerns.  You will unfortunately, need to do a lot of modeling and gesturing in order to get your point across.  It is taxing, I know, but it is the only way to communicate with someone who has difficulty understanding language.  Also you might want to keep commands simple.  Use as few words as possible.  Sit! or Sit down. Rather than "I need you to sit down now."  A lot of the time he may have stopped listening or only gotten part of what you said.  Emphasize the important information.  

These are just a few suggestions.  

Do communicate your difficulties & concerns with the therapist you are assigned to.  Will your son be enrolled in a developmental pre-school program through the public school system or perhaps getting private speech therapy only?  Different setting provide different benefits.

I hope that gives you a starting place.

Blessings & good luck.

Christine