The role of syntax in supporting language processing and executive functioning
Language and executive functioning have a bidirectional relationship (Baron & Arbel, 2022; Larson, et al., 2019). This means that building language skills can impact executive functioning, and vice versa.
A significant amount of executive functioning skills are required to comprehend language-based academic tasks like reading and writing.
Yet strategic thinking (which is part of executive functioning) requires a significant amount of internal dialogue; which is very difficult to engage in without adequate vocabulary or ability to use and understand complex syntax (Fahy, 2014).
Complex sentences are loaded with language that indicates cause and effect or temporal information; all which are essential for strategic planning.
On top of that, many students continue to struggle with reading comprehension without direct work on foundational language skills; even if they’re taught comprehension strategies (Eberhardt, 2013; Scott, 2009; Scott & Koonce, 2014; Nippold, 2017).
One might make the argument then (which I often do), that these underlying language skills are necessary to developing strong executive functioning skills.
This makes both treatment planning, diagnosis, and determining eligibility for educational programming complicated; especially when it comes to legal guidelines as well as state and local policies.
That’s why in episode 166 of De Facto Leaders, I’m sharing a Q & A session I did in my Language Therapy Advance Foundations member’s group to talk about the relationship between syntax, processing and higher level cognitive processes like executive functioning.
In this episode, I share:
✅How to create a strategic plan if you need to build a system for language therapy and a system for executive functioning intervention?
✅Should you focus on the students' needs or your own needs when planning your professional development goals?
✅Common comorbidities and diagnoses to consider when focusing on language, executive functioning, and reading/writing.
✅The impact of syntax on other language and cognitive processes.
✅Common sentence types that are difficult for individuals with DLD and other diagnoses that impact language.
✅Ineffective strategies used to comprehend difficult sentence types.
✅Why do these difficult sentence types impact comprehension, processing, and our ability to engage in internal dialogue and strategic planning?
In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/
I also mentioned the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership
You can view the YouTube version of this episode with slides here: https://youtu.be/7-F0fjjJ0F8
I also mentioned the following resources:
Ultimate Guide to Sentence Structure : https://drkarenspeech.com/sentencestructure
The 5 Component Language Therapy Framework: https://drkarenspeech.com/language
Syntactic Development in the School-Age Years: https://drkarenspeech.com/syntactic-development-school-age-years/
K-12 Professional Learning: It’s about what the adults need, not just the kids: https://drkarenspeech.com/k-12-professional-learning-its-about-what-adults-need-not-just-the-kids/
De Facto Leaders EP 159: Comorbidities and Differential Diagnosis: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-159-comborbidities-and-differential-diagnosis-adhd-dld-dyslexia/
A significant amount of executive functioning skills are required to comprehend language-based academic tasks like reading and writing.
Yet strategic thinking (which is part of executive functioning) requires a significant amount of internal dialogue; which is very difficult to engage in without adequate vocabulary or ability to use and understand complex syntax (Fahy, 2014).
Complex sentences are loaded with language that indicates cause and effect or temporal information; all which are essential for strategic planning.
On top of that, many students continue to struggle with reading comprehension without direct work on foundational language skills; even if they’re taught comprehension strategies (Eberhardt, 2013; Scott, 2009; Scott & Koonce, 2014; Nippold, 2017).
One might make the argument then (which I often do), that these underlying language skills are necessary to developing strong executive functioning skills.
This makes both treatment planning, diagnosis, and determining eligibility for educational programming complicated; especially when it comes to legal guidelines as well as state and local policies.
That’s why in episode 166 of De Facto Leaders, I’m sharing a Q & A session I did in my Language Therapy Advance Foundations member’s group to talk about the relationship between syntax, processing and higher level cognitive processes like executive functioning.
In this episode, I share:
✅How to create a strategic plan if you need to build a system for language therapy and a system for executive functioning intervention?
✅Should you focus on the students' needs or your own needs when planning your professional development goals?
✅Common comorbidities and diagnoses to consider when focusing on language, executive functioning, and reading/writing.
✅The impact of syntax on other language and cognitive processes.
✅Common sentence types that are difficult for individuals with DLD and other diagnoses that impact language.
✅Ineffective strategies used to comprehend difficult sentence types.
✅Why do these difficult sentence types impact comprehension, processing, and our ability to engage in internal dialogue and strategic planning?
In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/
I also mentioned the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers develop a strategic plan for putting executive functioning support in place in collaboration with their school teams. You can learn more about that program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership
You can view the YouTube version of this episode with slides here: https://youtu.be/7-F0fjjJ0F8
I also mentioned the following resources:
Ultimate Guide to Sentence Structure : https://drkarenspeech.com/sentencestructure
The 5 Component Language Therapy Framework: https://drkarenspeech.com/language
Syntactic Development in the School-Age Years: https://drkarenspeech.com/syntactic-development-school-age-years/
K-12 Professional Learning: It’s about what the adults need, not just the kids: https://drkarenspeech.com/k-12-professional-learning-its-about-what-adults-need-not-just-the-kids/
De Facto Leaders EP 159: Comorbidities and Differential Diagnosis: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-159-comborbidities-and-differential-diagnosis-adhd-dld-dyslexia/
Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:
Learn more about Renaissance:
Learn more about Renaissance:
As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
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