Language Disorder in Children

What Is Language Disorder?

A language disorder is characterized by difficulty conveying meaning using speech, writing, or even gestures. There are two main types of language disorders: receptive and expressive. The causes of language disorders are unknown in many children. Known causes may include hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, a lack of environmental exposure to language, or brain injury.

Types of Language Disorders

Receptive Language Disorders

• Difficulty understanding words and/or sentences
• Difficulty attending to the speech of others
• Difficulty with following directions and learning

Expressive Language Disorder

• Difficulty using the right words when talking
• Difficulty combining words to make sentences
• Limited vocabulary
• Difficulty putting sentences together correctly

Reasons for Concern

• If the child does not use any words by 16-18 months.
• The child cannot follow simple instructions, such as “Give me your shoe” by 18 months.
• The child cannot point to body parts or common objects when asked by 18 months.
• The child has not started combining words by age 2.
• The child does not use complete sentences by age 3.
• 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”.
• The child’s sentences are still short or jumbled by age 4.
• The child often uses words incorrectly by age 4. For example, a child may say “cut” for “scissors,” or “dog” for “cow”.