"He never follows directions."

"She keeps interrupting other kids."

"They always say 'I don't know.'"

As an SLP, these kinds of behavioral observations are often the first clues that bring a child to your radar. But behavior is rarely just behavior — it can be a window into communication struggles, emotional regulation challenges, or something else entirely.

So how do you tell when a behavior points to a speech-language issue… and when it doesn't?

Let's walk through how to break it down — clinically, compassionately, and clearly.

Why Behavior Is Often the First Red Flag

Before a child gets referred for an evaluation, adults around them usually notice:

• Difficulty following rules or routines
• Avoidance of verbal tasks
• Disruptions during group work or learning
• Social struggles or emotional outbursts

But here's the tricky part: These behaviors might stem from:

• A receptive or expressive language disorder
• ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning difficulties
• Autism or pragmatic language delays
• Environmental factors or trauma

And sometimes? It's a mix of all of the above.

Step 1: Look for Communication Load

Ask yourself: "What's the communication demand in the situation where the behavior happens?"

Examples:

• During multi-step directions = possible receptive language issue
• During open-ended verbal tasks = possible expressive language weakness
• During peer interaction = possible pragmatic breakdown
• During fast-paced group instruction = possible auditory processing or working memory concern

High communication load = higher chance the behavior is language-linked.

Step 2: Consider the Function of the Behavior

Use the "why" lens:

• Is the child trying to avoid embarrassment or task failure?
• Are they using disruptive behavior to distract from a language gap?
• Do they shut down when asked to explain or describe?

Avoidance, withdrawal, deflection, or overcompensating are often language protection strategies in disguise.

Step 3: Check for Communication Red Flags

Even if speech is clear and vocabulary seems age-appropriate, listen for:

• Vague or off-topic responses
• Frequent "I don't know" or "what?" replies
• Repeating the question before answering
• Trouble retelling events or stories
• Unusual pacing or intonation

These are subtle signs of deeper processing or formulation issues.

Step 4: Rule Out (or In) Other Factors

Behavior can also stem from:

• ADHD: impulsivity, inattention
• Anxiety: task avoidance, selective mutism
• Trauma: hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation
• Learning disabilities: frustration tied to academic failure

That's why a multi-disciplinary approach is key. SLPs don't diagnose ADHD or trauma — but we can rule in or out language barriers contributing to the behavior.

Step 5: Collaborate with the Team

Don't go it alone. Talk to:

• Teachers: What patterns are they seeing? When does the behavior happen most?
• Parents: What's different at home vs. school?
• Counselors or psychologists: Are there emotional or sensory concerns?

A 360° view often reveals whether communication breakdowns are driving the behavior — or if it's something broader.

Step 6: Document Clearly

If you suspect a language-based behavior issue:

"Behaviors such as task avoidance and frequent 'I don't know' responses may be associated with expressive language formulation difficulties."

If you suspect otherwise:

"Behavioral concerns appear unrelated to speech-language skills at this time, based on observation and standardized assessment."

Use clear, clinical phrasing — not guesswork.

SLP Score Helps You Make the Call (and Back It Up)

With SLP Score, you can:

• Integrate behavioral observations right into your evaluation
• Auto-generate clear interpretations of how language impacts classroom behavior
• Build reports that connect test scores to real-world outcomes
• Export clean, parent- and teacher-friendly reports — without overexplaining

No more staring at your notes wondering how to phrase what you're seeing.