Logical reasoning: complete guide for speech therapists
Logical reasoning is the ability to make connections, deduce, infer, and solve problems in a structured manner. It is closely related to language and learning. Difficulties in logical-mathematical reasoning may accompany language disorders or constitute a specific disorder. This guide presents the foundations of reasoning and its work in speech therapy.
🧩 Resources for logical reasoning
Logic exercises, categorization, problem-solving
Access the tools →📋 Table of contents
What is logical reasoning?
Logical reasoning refers to the set of mental operations that allow one to draw conclusions from given information, solve problems, and organize one's thoughts. It involves the ability to identify relationships, classify, sequence, compare, and deduce.
Components of reasoning
- Classification: grouping elements according to common criteria
- Sequencing: ordering elements according to a progression
- Conservation: understanding that a quantity remains the same despite transformations
- Causality: establishing cause-and-effect links
- Inference: deducing non-explicit information
- Analogy: finding correspondences between situations
Types of reasoning
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deductive | From general to specific | All birds have feathers. The sparrow is a bird. Therefore, the sparrow has feathers. |
| Inductive | From specific to general | This crow is black, this raven is black... Corvids are black. |
| Analogical | By comparison | A dog is to a kennel what a bird is to... a nest. |
| Causal | Cause-effect | It is raining, therefore the ground is wet. |
Development of reasoning
According to Piaget, reasoning develops in stages:
- 2-7 years (preoperational): intuitive, egocentric thinking, non-conservation
- 7-11 years (concrete operations): classification, sequencing, conservation, reversibility
- 11+ years (formal operations): hypothetical-deductive reasoning, abstraction
Link with language
💡 Language and reasoning: a close relationship
Language and reasoning influence each other. Language allows one to express and structure thought. Logical connectors (therefore, because, if...then) translate logical operations. Language difficulties can mask or worsen reasoning difficulties, and vice versa.
Difficulties in reasoning
Warning signs
- Difficulties in categorizing, finding common points
- Difficulties in ordering (from smallest to largest)
- Difficulties in understanding cause-and-effect links
- Difficulties in problem-solving
- Difficulties with inferences (understanding the implicit)
- Difficulties in mathematics (dyscalculia)
Speech therapy intervention
Principles
- Concrete manipulation: moving from the concrete to the abstract
- Verbalization: putting reasoning into words
- Explication: making strategies explicit
- Progression: from simple to complex
Activities
- Categorization: sorting, classifying, finding the odd one out
- Analogies: "it's like..."
- Logical sequences: completing sequences
- Problem-solving: concrete problem situations
- Absurdities: spotting what is wrong
- Cause-consequence: sequential images, stories
Our downloadable tools
📚 Semantic category cards
To work on classification and organization.
Download📷 Sequential images
For working on causality and temporal logic.
Download🔍 Inference exercises
To develop deductive reasoning.
Download🧩 Logic games
Fun reasoning activities.
DownloadFrequently asked questions
Yes, as it is related to language. Reasoning is necessary for understanding (inferences), storytelling (causality), vocabulary (categorization). The speech therapist also works on logical-mathematical reasoning in the context of dyscalculia. For a specific assessment of reasoning, a neuropsychologist may be consulted.
Not necessarily. Reasoning difficulties can exist in children of normal intelligence, particularly in cases of TDL, dyscalculia, or specific difficulties. A psychological assessment allows for differentiation and measurement of overall intellectual functioning and any potential dissociations.
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