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Language disorder in children refers to problems with either:
- Getting their meaning or message across to others (expressive language disorder), or
- Understanding the message coming from others (receptive language disorder)
Some children only have an expressive language disorder. Others have a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, meaning that they have symptoms of both conditions.
Children with language disorders are able to produce sounds, and their speech can be understood.
Alternative NamesDevelopmental aphasia; Developmental dysphasia; Delayed language; Specific developmental language disorder; SLI; Communication disorder - language disorder
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsFor most infants and children, language develops naturally beginning at birth. To develop language, a child must be able to hear, see, understand, and remember. Children must also have the physical ability to form speech.
Up to 1 out of every 20 children has symptoms of a language disorder. When the cause is unknown, it is called a developmental language disorder.
Problems with receptive language skills usually begin before age 4. Some mixed language disorders are caused by a brain injury, and these are sometimes misdiagnosed as developmental disorders.
Language disorders may occur in children with other developmental problems, autistic spectrum disorders, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. A language disorder may also be caused by damage to the central nervous system, which is called aphasia.
Language disorders are rarely caused by a lack of intelligence.
Language disorders are different than delayed language. With delayed language, the child develops speech and language in the same way as other children, but later. In language disorders, speech and language do not develop normally. The child may have some language skills, but not others. Or, the way in which these skills develop will be different than usual.
SymptomsA child with language disorder may have one or two of the symptoms listed below, or many of the symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Children with a receptive language disorder have difficulty understanding langugae. They may have:
- A hard time understanding what other people have said
- Problems following directions that are spoken to them
- Problems organizing their thoughts
Children with an expressive language disorder have problems using language to express what they are thinking or need. These children may:
- Have a hard time putting words together into sentences, or their sentences may be simple and short and the word order may be off
- Have difficulty finding the right words when talking, and often use placeholder words such as "um"
- Have a vocabulary that is below the level of other children the same age
- Leave words out of sentences when talking
- Use certain phrases over and over again, and repeat (echo) parts or all of questions
- Use tenses (past, present, future) improperly
Because of their language problems, these children may have difficulty in social settings. At times, language disorders may be part of the cause of severe behavioral problems.
Signs and testsA medical history may reveal that the child has close relatives who have also had speech and language problems.
Any child suspected of having this disorder can have standardized receptive and expressive language tests. A speech and language therapist or neuropsychologist will administer these tests.
An audiogramshould also be done to rule out deafness, which is one of the most common causes of language problems.
TreatmentSpeech and language therapy is the best approach to treating this type of language disorder.
Psychological therapy (psychotherapy, counseling, or cognitive behavioral therapy) is also recommended because of the possibility of related emotional or behavioral problems.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies based on the cause. Brain injury or other structural problems generally have a poor outcome, in which the child will have long-term problems with language. Other, more reversible causes can be treated effectively.
Many children who have language problems during the preschool years will also have some language problems or learning difficulty later in childhood. They may also have reading disorders.
ComplicationsDifficulty understanding and using language can cause problems with social interaction and the ability to function independently as an adult.
Reading may be a problem.
Depression, anxiety, and other emotional or behavioral problems may complicate language disorders.
Calling your health care providerParents who are concerned that their child's speech or language is delayed should see their primary care provider. Ask about getting a referral to a speech and language therapist.
Children who are diagnosed with this condition may need to be seen by a neurologist or children's developmental specialist to determine if the cause can be treated.
Call your child's health care provider if you see the following signs that your child does not understand language well:
- At 15 months, does not look or point at 5 to 10 people or objects when they are named by a parent or caregiver
- At 18 months, does not follow simple directions, such as "get your coat"
- At 24 months, is not able to point to a picture or a part of the body when it is named
- At 30 months, does not respond out loud or by nodding or shaking the head and asking questions
- At 36 months, does not follow 2-step directions, and does not understand action words
Also call if you notice these signs that your child does not use or express language well:
- At 15 months, is not using three words
- At 18 months, is not saying, "Mama," "Dada," or other names
- At 24 months, is not using at least 25 words
- At 30 months, is not using two-word phrases, including phrases that include both a noun and a verb
- At 36 months, does not have at least a 200-word vocabulary, is not asking for items by name, exactly repeats questions spoken by others, language has regressed (become worse), or is not using complete sentences
- At 48 months, often uses words incorrectly or uses a similar or related word instead of the correct word
Lyon GR, Shaywitz SE, Shaywitz BA. Specific language and learning disabilities. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 32.
Sharp HM, Hillenbrand K. Speech and language development and disorders in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2008;55:1159-1173.
Simms MD. Language disorders in children: classification and clinical syndromes. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54:437-467.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/29/2010
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Language disorder in children refers to difficulties in understanding or expressing language, which can impact their ability to communicate effectively. It can involve problems with vocabulary, grammar, speech sounds, and/or comprehension. Early intervention and speech-language therapy are often beneficial in helping children with language disorders improve their communication skills.
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When was specific language impairment discovered?
Specific Language Impairment (SLI) was formally recognized as a distinct language disorder in the 1970s. Researchers began to study children with language difficulties who demonstrated normal intelligence and no other obvious reason for their language impairments. This has led to a better understanding of SLI and the development of interventions to support affected individuals.
Expressive language disorder - developmental?
Expressive language disorder is a communication disorder where a person has difficulty expressing themselves through speech or writing. When it is developmental, it means the individual has had these difficulties since childhood, impacting their ability to communicate effectively and express their thoughts and ideas clearly. It can affect various aspects of life, such as social interactions, academic performance, and daily activities. Treatment often involves speech therapy to improve communication skills.
How do deaf children learn language?
Deaf children can learn language through various methods such as sign language, speech therapy, and lip reading. Early intervention and exposure to language-rich environments are crucial for their language development. Deaf children may also benefit from technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants to access sound.
What language do french children learn?
French children typically learn French as their first language. In addition, English is commonly taught as a second language in French schools.
What do you need to teach children sign language?
To teach children sign language, you need a basic understanding of sign language yourself, access to resources such as books or online materials, patience, and creativity to make the learning process engaging and fun for the children. Consistent practice and immersion in sign language are key to helping children learn and retain their knowledge.
What has the author Maria C Masellis written?
Maria C. Masellis has written: 'Evidence for temporal processing deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and language impairments on a dichotic listening task' -- subject(s): Dichotic listening tests, Speech perception in children, Language disorders in children, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
How effective is the therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder?
Therapy that integrates Ayurveda with modern techniques has been shown to be effective for children with autism spectrum disorder, offering personalized strategies to improve communication skills and overall language development. Jeevaniyam Hospital in Kochi is known for its effective programs. jeevaniyam.in
What percent of children who commit suicide have a mental health disorder or depression?
The urge to commit suicide is a symptom of a mental or emotional disorder, so it is reasonable to say that 100% of children who commit suicide have a disorder or very serious depression (which is a disorder.)
When was specific language impairment discovered?
Specific Language Impairment (SLI) was formally recognized as a distinct language disorder in the 1970s. Researchers began to study children with language difficulties who demonstrated normal intelligence and no other obvious reason for their language impairments. This has led to a better understanding of SLI and the development of interventions to support affected individuals.
Do parents suffer from a recessive disorder passed to their children?
Parents who carry a recessive disorder gene have a 25% chance of passing the disorder to their children. They may not necessarily suffer from the disorder themselves, as carriers typically do not show symptoms. However, they can still transmit the gene to their offspring, who may then inherit the disorder.
What has the author Vicki Reed written?
Vicki Reed has written: 'An introduction to children with language disorders' -- subject(s): Infant, Language Disorders, Language disorders in children, Child 'An introduction to children with language disorders' -- subject(s): Language disorders in children 'An introduction to children with language disorders' -- subject(s): Infant, Language Disorders, Language disorders in children, Child
What has the author Elsa G Shapiro written?
Elsa G. Shapiro has written: 'The somatizing child' -- subject(s): Conversion disorder in children, Somatization disorder in children, Somatoform disorders in children
Brain disease disbracsia?
Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting fine and gross motor coordination in children and adults. This disorder is a developmental coordination disorder.
Expressive language disorder - developmental?
Expressive language disorder is a communication disorder where a person has difficulty expressing themselves through speech or writing. When it is developmental, it means the individual has had these difficulties since childhood, impacting their ability to communicate effectively and express their thoughts and ideas clearly. It can affect various aspects of life, such as social interactions, academic performance, and daily activities. Treatment often involves speech therapy to improve communication skills.
Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder?
DefinitionMixed receptive-expressive language disorder is a language disability that causes impairment of both the understanding and the expression of language.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThree to five percent of all children have either receptive or expressive language disorder, or both. These children have difficulty understanding speech (language receptivity) and using language (language expression). The cause is unknown, but there may be genetic factors, and malnutrition may play a role.Problems with receptive language skills usually begin before the age of four. Some mixed language disorders are caused by brain injury, and these are sometimes misdiagnosed as developmental disorders.SymptomsProblems with language comprehensionProblems with language expressionSpeech contains many articulation errorsDifficulty recalling early sight or sound memoriesSigns and testsStandardized receptive and expressive language tests can be given to any child suspected of having this disorder. An audiogram should also be given to rule out the possibility of deafness, as it is one of the most common causes of language problems.All children diagnosed with this condition should be seen by a neurologist or developmental pediatric specialist to determine if the cause can be reversed.TreatmentSpeech and language therapy are the best approach to this type of language disorder. Psychotherapy is also recommended because of the possibility of associated emotional or behavioral problems.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies based on the underlying cause. Brain injury or other structural pathology is generally associated with a poor outcome with chronic deficiencies in language, while other, more reversible causes can be treated effectively.ComplicationsDifficulty understanding and using language can cause problems with social interaction and ability to function independently as an adult.Calling your health care providerParents who are concerned about their child's acquisition of language should have the child tested. Early intervention will provide the best possible outcome.
What are the demographics of sleepwalking disorder?
Sleep terror disorder is most common in children four to 12 years old and is outgrown in adolescence. It affects about 3% of children. Fewer than 1% of adults have the disorder. In adults, men and women are equally affected.
What has the author Bruce Franklin Pennington written?
Bruce Franklin Pennington has written: 'Diagnosing learning disorders' -- subject(s): Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorders with Hyperactivity, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism in children, Autistic Disorder, Diagnosis, Infantile Autism, Language Development Disorders, Learning Disorders, Learning disabilities, Memory disorders, Neuropsychology
