Distinguishing Between Difference, Disorder, and Disadvantage

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), educators, and other practitioners have consistently noted the diagnostic challenge observed when attempting to distinguish between the typical linguistic variation of African American English (AAE) speakers, the clinical indicators of language disorder, and language delay based on the impact of being reared in poverty. As the development of literacy skills is dependent upon strong language foundations, the early identification and intervention for students with true language and literacy weaknesses is critical. We will discuss evidence-based assessment and treatment practices that practitioners can utilize when working with speakers of AAE and other non-mainstream dialects.

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Presenters

Lakeisha Johnson
PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Lakeisha Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Science and Disorders program at Florida State University and a certified speech-language pathologist. She is also the director of The Village, the community outreach and engagement division of the Florida Center for Reading Research. Her primary research interests include language, literacy, dialect, and executive function development in African American children. Dr. Johnson believes in building and leveraging research-practice partnerships to ensure children from vulnerable and underserved populations obtain strong language and literacy skills. She has a passion for diverse children's books and runs a website, Maya's Book Nook, to help caregivers and educators use these books to promote language and literacy foundations.

Learning Objectives

Explain ways in which African American English is differentiated from Mainstream American English.
Describe the relations between oral language skills and literacy outcomes in African American students.
Discuss assessment and treatment practices that are non-biased towards students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Agenda

10 minutes	African American students and dialect use
15 minutes	African American students and literacy performance
30 minutes	Clinical implications: Assessment and treatment strategies
5 minutes	Closing thoughts

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Lakeisha Johnson has recieved an Honorarium for this presentation.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Lakeisha Johnson has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.
Course - Content	Lakeisha Johnson has no relevant content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course, and all courses in the Equity Series, are being sponsored by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area, Professional Area