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A language disorder is characterized by difficulties with language processing, comprehension, or usage. It may have an impact on how you interpret, speak, or use language. This disorder may be brought on by a number of circumstances and affect both adults and children. Speech therapy is frequently used as part of treatment to enhance communication and language abilities. For people to successfully overcome these obstacles and succeed in communicating effectively, early assistance is crucial.

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Language disorders include problems with language comprehension, use, or processing. This may entail difficulties with speaking, hearing, reading, writing, or selecting the right words. Depending on the person, language problems can present in different ways and impact different facets of communication.

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Language issues are often characterized by difficulties comprehending and successfully using language. People who suffer from language impairments may find it difficult to follow instructions or comprehend complicated language, have a restricted vocabulary, and have difficulty expressing their ideas either orally or in writing. These issues can also affect reading comprehension and social interactions, which can be frustrating and have an adverse effect on relationships and academic performance, among other areas of life. Although the presentation of language problems varies from person to person, they frequently include communication barriers that need to be addressed with assistance and intervention.

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Speech-language pathologists provide thorough exams to detect language impairments. In order to identify the kind and degree of the condition, these examinations comprise screens, in-depth assessments of language proficiency, and differential diagnoses. Then, intervention plans are created based on each patient's unique needs, emphasizing treatment sessions, tracking of success, working together with caregivers, and routine reassessments to guarantee efficient support and advancement in communicative abilities.

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Language-disorder-specific accommodations include the use of visual aids, extended reaction times, alternate forms of communication such as AAC, preferred seating arrangements, condensed instructions, altered assignments, and the creation of a supportive atmosphere.

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Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): The Consensus Explained

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Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding, and using language. These language difficulties are not explained by other conditions, such as hearing loss or autism, or by extenuating circumstances, such as lack of exposure to language…

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Both of the websites provided contain information regarding Language Disorders.

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Many young children have difficulty with communication at some time in their lives. Most will eventually catch up. However, some will continue to have problems. Communication disorders include speech disorders and language disorders. Language disorders are discussed in this article. Some general guidelines are also given. This will help you decide if your child needs to be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.

A child may have a language disorder if they have difficulty getting their meaning across through speech, writing or even gestures. Some children have a language disorder even though they produce sounds well and have clear speech. Difficulty expressing meaning to other people is called an expressive language disorder. Difficulty understanding other people is called a receptive language disorder. A child might have difficulties with both. This is called a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder.

Types of Language Disorders

Receptive Language Disorder

A child may have difficulty understanding the words or sentences used by others. The child may seem to show poor attention to speech. This may cause difficulty following directions and learning.

Expressive Language Disorder

A child may have difficulty coming up with the right words when talking. The child may be unable to join words correctly into sentences. The child may have a small vocabulary or use words incorrectly. They may speak using short phrases and leave out small words, such as "the" or "is." The child may say sentences but put them together incorrectly.

For both types of language disorders, the main problem may be with content (words and their meanings), form (grammar or word order), or use (the ability to understand and use language appropriately).

Causes of language disorders may include hearing loss, cognitive disability, emotional disturbance, a lack of exposure to language in the environment, or brain injury. Often, the cause of the language problem is unknown.

Reasons for Concern

If the child does not use any words by 16-18 months.

If the child cannot follow simple instructions such as, "Give me your shoe" by 18 months.

If the child cannot point to body parts or common objects when asked by 18 months.

If the child has not started combining words by the age of 2.

If the child does not use any complete sentences by the age of 3.

If the child imitates or "echoes" parts of questions or commands instead of responding appropriately by age 3. For example, when asked "What's your name?" the child says, "Your name!"

If sentences are still short or jumbled by the age of 4.

If the child often uses words incorrectly by age 4. For example, a child may say "cut" for "scissors," or "dog" for "cow."

Causes of Communication Disorders

A child may be at risk for a communication disorder if there is a history of the following:

Cleft lip or cleft palate

Craniofacial anomalies

Velopharyngeal insufficiency

Dental malocclusion

Oral-motor dysfunction

Neurological disease or dysfunction or brain injury

Respirator dependency, respiratory compromise, or tracheostomy

Vocal fold pathology

Developmental delay

Autism

Prematurity or traumatic birth

Hearing loss or deafness

Note: Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) rarely causes speech or language problems.

Treatment for Communication Disorders

Early intervention is very important for children with communication disorders. Treatment is best started during the toddler or preschool years. These years are a critical period of normal language learning, and strong speech habits have not yet been formed. The early skills needed for normal speech and language development can be evaluated even in infants. At that age, the speech-language pathologist works with the parents on stimulating speech and language development in the home. Active treatment in the form of individual therapy usually starts between the ages of 2 and 4.

If you have concerns with your child's communication skills, discuss them with your child's doctor. The doctor will likely refer the child to a speech-language pathologist for evaluation and treatment. All children with language disorders should also have their hearing tested.

Helping Your Child's Development

Children learn speech and language skills by listening to the speech of others, and practicing as they talk to others. Parents are the most important teachers for their child in their early years. They can help the child by giving lots of opportunities to listen and talk. This can be done by frequently pointing out and naming important people, places and things. They can also read and talk to the child during the day, especially during daily routines, interactive play and favorite activities. Parents can give the child models of words and sentences to repeat. Parents can also set up opportunities for the child to answer questions and talk. Listening to music, singing songs, and sharing nursery rhymes are also great ways to build speech and language skills while having fun with your child.

For more information, contact the Division of Speech-Language Pathology, 513-636-4341.

Web Resources on Language Disorder

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Language Disorders in Children | Types, Causes & Treatment

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A child may have a language disorder if they have difficulty communicating. Read about the types of disorders, causes, treatments and how to help your child.

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The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other online portals, professional development seminars, and partnerships with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are just a few of the tools available to teachers who work with kids who have language impairments. ASHA provides resources such as articles, toolkits, and chances for professional development; books such as "The Source for Syndromes" and "Teaching Students with Language and Communication Disabilities" give comprehensive advice. Furthermore, useful solutions are provided by communication applications like Proloquo2Go and TouchChat. With the use of these materials, educators may foster inclusive learning environments and offer specific assistance to kids who struggle with language.

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Resources for Educators - Speech And Language Kids

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Speech/Language Resources for Educators (Teachers, Special Educators, Therapists, Paras, etc.) Welcome to our speech/language resource page for educators! I don’t know what your experience has been lately but it seems to me like more and more children are falling behind than ever before. Some of those children will qualify for services from a speech-language pathologist

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At a glance

Learning disabilities are challenges with reading, writing, and math.

Between 5 and 15 percent of people have a learning disability.

People don't outgrow learning disabilities, but there are strategies and supports that can help.

Learning disabilities are lifelong challenges with reading, writing, and math. They can impact people at school, at work, and in everyday life.

Between 5 and 15 percent of people have a learning disability. Some people struggle in only one area. But it's common to struggle in more than one.

Learning disabilities are caused by biological differences. Research shows that brain structure and function are different in people who have learning disabilities. Heredity also plays a role. Learning disabilities run in families.

Learning disabilities are real. People who have them aren't "just being lazy." And learning disabilities are not related to intelligence.

You may hear learning disabilities called learning disorders or specific learning disabilities. You may also hear terms that refer to a specific type of learning disability, like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

People don't outgrow most learning disabilities. But there are strategies, supports, and teaching approaches that can help people with learning disabilities thrive.

About the author

About the author

Trynia Kaufman, MS was the senior manager of editorial research at Understood. She is a former educator and presents nationwide at education conferences.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Ellen Braaten, PhD is a child psychologist, professor, and founding director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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Learning disabilities are lifelong challenges with reading, writing, and math. Learn more about learning disabilities.

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Resources like Understood.org, which provides webinars and individualized counsel, are a great source of support for parents of kids with learning difficulties. For assistance navigating the school system, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) offers publications, manuals, and advocacy resources. Books like Ben Foss' "The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan" also provide useful tactics. These materials give parents the information and encouragement they need to enable their kids to flourish in spite of learning disabilities.

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See what NCLD has been advocating for and get the most recent news on learning and attention issues.

Tell Congress: Pass the RISE Act

We need your help! Ask your member of Congress to support students with learning and attention issues.

Support NCLD

Thanks to support from generous partners like you, we are able to create programs and resources to support the 1 in 5 individuals with learning and attention issues nationwide.

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See what NCLD has been advocating for and get the most recent news on learning and attention issues. We need your help! Ask your member of Congress to support students with learning and attention issues. Thanks to support from generous partners like you, we are able to create programs and resources to support the 1 in 5 individuals with learning and attention issues nationwide.