Language disorder

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Language disorder is a communication disorder where a person has persistent difficulties in learning and using various forms of language. The individual's language abilities are significantly below those expected for their age, particularly in terms of grammar (syntax and morphology) and vocabulary. Their difficulties can interfere with academic achievement or with everyday communication.

Types of Language Disorders[edit | edit source]

There are three main types of language disorders: expressive, receptive, and mixed expressive-receptive.

Expressive Language Disorder[edit | edit source]

Expressive language disorder is characterized by difficulty expressing ideas or messages to others. This can manifest as limited vocabulary, difficulty forming complete sentences, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.

Receptive Language Disorder[edit | edit source]

Receptive language disorder involves difficulty understanding messages from others. This can involve difficulty following spoken directions, understanding complex sentences, or identifying the meaning of words.

Mixed Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder[edit | edit source]

Mixed expressive-receptive language disorder is a combination of both expressive and receptive language disorders. Individuals with this disorder struggle both in expressing their own thoughts and in understanding the language of others.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of language disorders is not known, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some possible causes include hearing loss, developmental disorders such as autism, neurological disorders, and brain injury.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of language disorders typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. The evaluation may include observation, parent interviews, and formal standardized testing to assess the individual's language skills.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for language disorders typically involves speech therapy, which can help individuals improve their language skills and overcome their difficulties. The specific strategies used in therapy will depend on the individual's specific needs and the nature of their disorder.

See also[edit | edit source]

Language disorder Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T