Synopsis:

This self-study deals with reviewing some of the common misconceptions that cause confusion when it comes to distinguishing language difference from language disorder. we will review the characteristics of a struggling ELL with a language difference and a child who truly suffers from a bonafide language disorder. Our linguistic features analysis approach will be offered as one type of strategy to be applied and other strategies for this important process will be reviewed.

Self-Study Objectives:

The objective of this self-study is to equip the participant with an understanding of how the differential diagnosis process works. And to further define non biased methods of assessment so important to be used in this arsenal. The study of second language acquisition is an important element and starting point as a way to analyze second language learners and understand symptoms of learning a language as distinct from aspects of learning or language disability. Participants will begin to develop these critical analytical skills.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Identify problems and limitations of standardized testing for the CLD population

2. Describe aspects & importance of the ethnographic interview in the differential diagnosis process 

3. List differences between language loss & language disorder