The Intersection of Language Development and Behavior: What Psychologists Need to Know 

Synopsis: A child’s ability to be a successful communicator effects their subsequent mental health. Language disorders are often under-diagnosed and delays in language development are associated with poor social competence and behavior problems due to feeling frustrated and angry, often leading to problematic behaviors as maladaptive coping strategies are inadvertently reinforced.

When we address speech and language problems early, we not only increase competence but are taking preventative mental health measures to give our kids the best start at life.  In this presentation, Rachel Cortese, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, will discuss the intersection of language and behavior disorders, outline specific considerations for psychologists, and exchange views about parent-child interaction training to facilitate communication skills.

 

Biography: Rachel Cortese, MS, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) practicing in Manhattan and East Hampton, NY.  Her expertise is in the evaluation and treatment of toddlers with delayed language development, children with stuttering disorders and speech sound disorders, and communication impairments associated with autism. She also has extensive clinical experience with behavioral difficulties and school aged children with language-based learning and reading disorders.  Rachel has advanced trainings in applied behavior analysis (ABA), PROMPT, a specialized technique used to remediate speech production disorders, and is certified to lead Hanen Programs for parents  of children with language delays and Autism. She has additional training in The Lidcombe program for stuttering and the ADOS-2. She maintains certification in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA maintains certification as a behavior analyst through the BACB.  She is a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to list the most common speech and language disorders and describe the emotional precursors to speech and language development.
2. Participants will be able to explain the implications of early ear infections and middle ear fluid on language and social development.
3. Participants will be able to define the relationship between language development and behavior, including behaviors associated with ADHD, and treatment implications.
4. Participants will be able to describe an evidence-based parent-child interaction treatment program for communication disorders, and compare and contrast such a program with PCIT.

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Learning Levels: Introductory and Intermediate

CE Approval and Process Information: