Online Speech Therapy Telepractice

Conversational Styles of ChildrenAlso refer to: The Impact of Children’s Conversational Styles on Communication

and Considerations for Change

Sociable Child

Frequently initiates interactions Responsive to other’s initiations Draws attention to self

Sociable Child and Communication Delay: Even if he has limited language or is hard to understand, this child will still seek interactions without hesitation!

Reluctant Child

Seldom initiates Eventually responsive – This child will interact once he becomes more

comfortable or familiar with a situation or person

Reluctant Child and Communication Delay: The child may be reluctant to talk because of a speech or language challenge. Also, using social skills may be difficult for her.

Own Agenda Initiates when he needs something Not usually responsive - Not interested in other’s attempts at interaction;

however, this child will engage in some social activities when he feels like it. Does not care to play with others.

Own Agenda Child and Communication Delay: If this conversation style persists, the child may have delayed social or language skills.

TinyEYE Therapy Services 127G-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7N 3R3www.TinyEYE.com – 1.877.TinyEYE (846.9393)

Online Speech Therapy Telepractice

Passive Child Rarely initiates Rarely responds Little or no non-verbal communication, such as a smile or indication that

he is interested

Passive Child and Communication Delay: A child who consistently demonstrates this style may have a developmental delay that spreads further than speech and language.

TinyEYE Therapy Services 127G-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7N 3R3www.TinyEYE.com – 1.877.TinyEYE (846.9393)

Online Speech Therapy Telepractice

Quiz

1. A child who rarely initiates or responds, either verbally or non-verbally, may:

a. Be bored

b. Be from another country

c. Have a communication or developmental delay

Answer: c

A child who rarely initiates or responds, either verbally or non-verbally, may have a communication or developmental delay. This “passive” child may be unable to process or interpret what is going on around him or her. Furthermore, this child may not have the language, play, or social skills to show his or her intent, even if through non-verbal behaviour (eye contact, smiling, …). Rule out other reasons for this behaviour (medication, illness, depression, …) and try to engage the child. Refer to “The Impact of Children’s Conversational Styles on Communication and Considerations for Change”.

2. The sociable child always has excellent language and play skills. True or false?

Answer: False

The sociable child may freely and consistently interact with others; however, it is still possible that this child has a language or play delay. It is also important to assess the appropriateness of the interactions. Can

TinyEYE Therapy Services 127G-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7N 3R3www.TinyEYE.com – 1.877.TinyEYE (846.9393)

Online Speech Therapy Telepractice

this child politely initiate an interaction, take turns, maintain a topic, share, pretend play….? Fortunately, since this child seems to enjoy interaction, it may be effective to specifically train him or her to use appropriate skills - this child will give him or herself a lot of practice!

TinyEYE Therapy Services 127G-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7N 3R3www.TinyEYE.com – 1.877.TinyEYE (846.9393)