Verbal Reasoning and Communication Challenges

What are some challenges?

• Challenges with verbal reasoning: The process through which people understand spoken language and numbers.

• Challenges with verbal communication: Includes speaking, writing, and vocal sounds.

• Challenges sharing thoughts and ideas

• Challenges demonstrating understanding

• Challenges explaining steps, events, or tasks in order

• Impaired conversational skills

• Decreased fluency when speaking

What does this look like?

1. Problems with word choice

2. Problems matching word tenses and numbers

3. Problems putting words, phrases, and numbers in order

4. Late speech development

5. Long pauses before speaking

6. Using vague words (“thing” or “stuff”)

7. Use of simple sentences

8. Problems explaining games or telling stories, OR you’re a great storyteller but a bland writer

Possible diagnoses:

• Social Communication Disorder (SCD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s  Syndrome

• Dyslexia (#3-4 only)

Possible interventions:

• School/Work accommodations

• Speech/language therapy

Click on these links for references on interventions and conditions.