ABSTRACT

For the introduction to this chapter about connections between emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) and speech and language difficulties (SLD), it is first necessary to define SLD. SLD is a general term that can refer to any type of communication problem that affects either our internal processing of language or our physical ability to comprehend and/or express language. These problems can stem from a variety of causes including neurological impairment, physical deformity (as in the case of cleftpalate), associated learning difficulties, or unknown reasons. A subcategory of SLD called specific language impairment (SLI) is especially of interest due to its unique ability to go undetected.