Learning new words is a fundamental part of a child’s cognitive development. However, some children may experience difficulties acquiring new vocabulary at the same pace as their peers. These children may have cognitive problems, impacting their language development, academic performance, and social skills.
What are Cognitive Problems?
Cognitive problems refer to a range of difficulties that affect a person’s ability to think, learn, remember, and process information. These problems can arise due to various factors such as genetic predisposition, brain injury, or environmental factors such as poverty or neglect. Cognitive problems can manifest in different ways, depending on the severity and type of the underlying condition.
How Does it Affect Kids?
For instance, children with dyslexia may have difficulty with reading and spelling, while those with ADHD may struggle with attention, focus, and impulse control. Children with autism spectrum disorder may struggle with social communication, social interaction, and imaginative play. Moreover, children with language delays may have trouble understanding and expressing themselves verbally, leading to frustration, isolation, and behaviour problems.
Cognitive problems can have far-reaching effects on a child’s life. For example, they may impact academic performance, making it harder for children to keep up with the curriculum and achieve their potential. They may also affect social relationships, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, cognitive problems may affect a child’s future career prospects and quality of life.
Image from iStock
How to Support Kids With Cognitive Problems?
Therefore, it is crucial to identify cognitive problems early on and provide appropriate support and intervention. Early intervention can help children with cognitive problems develop their skills to succeed. For example, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized tutoring can help children with language delays, dyslexia, or ADHD. Moreover, accommodations such as extra time, frequent breaks, or assistive technology can help children with cognitive problems access the curriculum and participate in school activities.
Cognitive problems can affect a child’s ability to learn new words and acquire language skills. The new study on toddlers’ word learning provides insights into how children with language delays may process new information differently from their peers.
By identifying children with delays in language development at an earlier stage, parents and educators can provide targeted support and intervention to help them reach their full potential. Understanding cognitive problems and their impact on children’s lives is critical to promote inclusive education and supporting all children to succeed in school and beyond.
We’d like to know — what are the things you do to improve your child’s vocabulary? Share your suggestions with us by leaving a comment!
