Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Damaris Sánchez Rivera, MS, CCC-SLP, host of the Spanish-language podcast SLPs en Acción, for a thoughtful conversation about ethical, strengths-based evaluation and treatment approaches for bilingual children. Together, they explore how clinicians can approach bilingual assessments with confidence, cultural responsiveness, and joy while supporting children and families across a variety of settings.
Damaris breaks down the important differences between language disorders and language differences, explains simultaneous versus sequential bilingual language development, and shares practical strategies for gathering meaningful information during the evaluation process. Listeners will also learn how caregiver and teacher questionnaires can help create a more complete picture of a child’s communication skills across languages and environments.
The conversation also highlights the “silent period” in bilingual language learning, including what clinicians and families may observe during this stage and why it is considered a natural part of language acquisition rather than a sign of disorder. Clinicians will leave with practical insights, greater confidence in supporting bilingual learners, and a deeper appreciation for culturally responsive assessment and intervention practices.
Damaris breaks down the important differences between language disorders and language differences, explains simultaneous versus sequential bilingual language development, and shares practical strategies for gathering meaningful information during the evaluation process. Listeners will also learn how caregiver and teacher questionnaires can help create a more complete picture of a child’s communication skills across languages and environments.
The conversation also highlights the “silent period” in bilingual language learning, including what clinicians and families may observe during this stage and why it is considered a natural part of language acquisition rather than a sign of disorder. Clinicians will leave with practical insights, greater confidence in supporting bilingual learners, and a deeper appreciation for culturally responsive assessment and intervention practices.
