Children with attention, language. and learning problems may not pick up on the subtle differences in voice inflection that change the meaning of what another is saying. They themselves may not use voice inflection much and so they may not understand when others use it. For example, changing the voice inflection to emphasize one word can the meaning of a simple sentence. For example, “he did not steal her purse”, and “he did not steal her purse” have two different meanings when you emphasize the bolded word.
Without understanding or picking up on the inflection in another’s voice, a youngster with attention difficulties would interpret what he hears each time in the same way or in his or her own way. Inflection training can take the form of making one sentence mean seven different things — discussing these and practicing this skill is necessary for success socially and in the classroom. Practice, practice, practice improves the child’s skills in this area.
Excerpt from Social Skills for LD Kids (c) 1995, Monte W. Davenport
(c) 2009-2012, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.