Multisensory Learners and Speech Development: How to Support Children Who Learn Differently
Some children process information differently. They rely heavily on touch, movement, and visuals to understand the world around them. These children are known as multisensory learners. While this learning style can be a strength, it can sometimes make it harder to spot speech and language issues. In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify speech and language difficulties in multisensory learners and how speech pathology can support their development, especially in areas like Bondi Junction and Mascot, where access to tailored therapies can make a real difference.
What Are Multisensory Learners?
Multisensory learners use more than one sense to learn. Instead of just listening to instructions or watching demonstrations, they might also need to touch objects, move their bodies, or see visuals to fully grasp new information. These learners often do well with hands-on activities, visual aids, and movement-based tasks.
While this approach to learning can be very effective, it may also hide signs of speech and language issues. Multisensory learners might compensate for delays in verbal skills by relying on other senses. For example, a child who struggles to express themselves verbally may use gestures, pictures, or movement to communicate.
Signs of Speech and Language Issues in Multisensory Learners
Recognising speech and language problems in multisensory learners can be tricky. Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Limited Vocabulary
Even with strong visual or tactile learning skills, a child with speech and language issues may struggle to build a wide vocabulary. If your child isn’t using as many words as their peers or has difficulty naming objects, this could be a sign of a language delay.
2. Difficulty Following Verbal Instructions
Multisensory learners may struggle to follow spoken instructions if they rely heavily on visual or physical cues. If your child often needs visual aids or physical guidance to follow directions, they might have trouble processing verbal language on its own.
3. Relying on Gestures Over Words
It’s normal for children to use gestures when learning to talk. But if your child consistently relies on gestures instead of speaking, it might indicate an issue with language development. For example, if they point to objects rather than naming them, this could be a red flag.
4. Struggles with Social Communication
Children with speech and language issues might find it difficult to interact with others. They may struggle to take turns in conversation or understand social cues like tone of voice and facial expressions. This can make it hard for them to build friendships.
5. Challenges with Pronunciation
Speech sound disorders are common in children with speech and language difficulties. If your child struggles to pronounce words clearly or gets frustrated when trying to speak, this could point to an underlying speech issue.
6. Slow Response to Questions
Multisensory learners might take longer to respond to verbal questions because they need extra time to process information. If your child consistently takes a long time to answer or seems confused by questions, it could be a sign of a speech or language delay.
7. Difficulty Retelling Stories or Events
If your child struggles to retell a simple story or describe an event, this could be another sign of a language issue. Multisensory learners may find it hard to organise their thoughts into words, even if they have a strong visual memory of the event.
How Speech Pathology Can Support Multisensory Learners
When working with multisensory learners, speech pathologists need to take an adaptable approach. By integrating different senses into therapy, speech pathologists can help these children build their communication skills in a way that suits their learning style. Here are some strategies used in speech pathology to support multisensory learners, with services available at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot.
1. Using Visual Aids
Visual aids are incredibly useful for multisensory learners. Speech pathologists might use picture cards, flashcards, or visual schedules to support language development. For example, if a child struggles to understand spoken words, seeing a picture of the word can help reinforce its meaning.
2. Incorporating Movement
Movement-based activities help multisensory learners process language. Speech pathologists might use games that involve physical actions, such as clapping or jumping, to teach new words or concepts. Movement can also reinforce the rhythm and flow of speech, helping children develop better verbal communication skills.
3. Tactile Learning
Some children benefit from using their sense of touch to learn. In speech therapy, tactile learning might involve using objects or toys that children can hold and manipulate. For example, a child might practice naming objects by feeling them and then saying the word. This approach helps link the tactile experience with verbal language.
4. Social Stories and Role Play
For multisensory learners who struggle with social communication, social stories and role-playing activities can be very helpful. A social story is a simple, visual narrative that explains how to behave in certain situations, such as sharing toys or greeting a friend. Role play allows children to practise these skills in a safe, supportive environment.
5. Interactive Games and Technology
Interactive games and technology, such as iPad apps or speech therapy software, can engage multisensory learners in a way that traditional methods might not. These tools often combine visuals, sounds, and movement, making them ideal for children who process information through multiple senses.
6. Reinforcing Through Repetition
Repetition is key in helping multisensory learners retain information. Speech pathologists might repeat certain words, sounds, or phrases multiple times during a session, using different senses to reinforce the learning. For example, a child might hear the word, see a picture of it, and touch an object that represents it.
7. Customised Communication Strategies
Every child is unique, and speech pathologists will work with parents and caregivers to develop personalised communication strategies that suit the child’s learning style. For multisensory learners, this might involve using more gestures, sign language, or pictures alongside spoken words to support communication.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their multisensory learners. Here are some simple strategies you can use at home to help your child’s speech and language development:
1. Create a Multisensory Environment
Incorporate a variety of sensory experiences into your child’s daily routine. Use visuals, movement, and touch to support language learning. For example, when reading a book, you could point to pictures, use gestures, and encourage your child to act out parts of the story.
2. Encourage Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning is essential for all children, but especially for multisensory learners. Engage your child in hands-on activities that involve multiple senses, such as building with blocks, playing with clay, or engaging in pretend play.
3. Talk About What You’re Doing
Narrate your activities throughout the day to model language for your child. For example, when cooking, you could say, “I’m chopping the carrots,” or “I’m stirring the soup.” This helps your child associate words with actions and objects.
4. Be Patient
It’s important to give your child time to process information and respond. Avoid rushing them or finishing their sentences for them. Instead, offer gentle encouragement and praise their efforts.
When to Seek Professional Support
If you suspect that your multisensory learner may have speech or language difficulties, it’s important to seek support from a qualified speech pathologist. Early intervention is key to helping your child develop strong communication skills.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our team of experienced speech pathologists and occupational therapists specialises in working with children who have speech and language issues. We offer personalised, multisensory approaches to support each child’s unique learning style. We are members of Speech Pathology Australia.
Conclusion
Children who are multisensory learners process information in unique ways. While this learning style has many strengths, it can sometimes make it harder to identify speech and language issues. By recognising the signs and seeking support from a speech pathologist, you can help your child build the communication skills they need to thrive.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we’re here to support your child’s speech and language development. Whether through speech pathology, occupational therapy, or a combination of both, our tailored approach will help your child reach their full potential. Contact us today to book a consultation at our Bondi Junction or Mascot clinic.
