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Children come to the world almost pre-programmed to learn the language of their environment.
In some cases, children may not meet certain developmentalmilestones.
A language disorder triggers when a child is unable to compose theirthoughts, ideas, and messages using language.
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This is known as an expressive language disorder.
Sometimes, a child may live with a mix of expressive and receptive language disorders.
A lack of understanding orpoor expression of languagedoes not always indicate a language disorder, however.
This could simply be the result of a speech delay.
Children with receptive challenges will usually display these difficulties before the age of four.
In such cases, the child struggles to understand the spoken conversations or instructions directed around them.
Likewise, written words may be difficult to process.
Simple gestures to come, go, or sit still may also prove challenging to comprehend.
In this sense, oral communication is just one of the affected areas.
A child may also consider written communications difficult to express.
Symptoms of Language Disorders
Language disorders are a common observation in children.
The factors responsible for language disorders are unknown, this explains why they are often termeddevelopmental disorders.
Aphasiais another condition linked with language disorders.
This condition develops from damage to the portion of the brain responsible for language.
A speech-language pathologist or a neuropsychologist may administer standardized tests.
These are to review the childs levels of language reception and expression.
This is because deafness is one of the most common causes of language problems.
Treatment of Language Disorders
Language disorders can have far-reaching effects on the life of a child.
These disorders can lead to poor social interactions, or a dependence on others as an adult.
Challenges with reception and expression can also lead to reading challenges, orproblems with learning.
To manage this condition, parents/guardians should exercise patience and care when dealing with children managing language disorders.
While it can be challenging, children already experience frustration when dealing with others and expressing themselves.
Caregivers can provide a place of comfort for children who have learning challenges.
For expert guidance, a speech-language pathologist can work with children and their guardians to improve communication and expression.
Because language disorders can be emotionally taxing, parents and children with these disorderscan try therapy.
This will help in navigating the emotional andbehavioral issuescaused by language impairments.
NCBI.Speech and Language Disorders in Children: Implications for the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income Program.
MedlinePlus.Language Disorders in Children.
Ritvo A, Volkmar F, Lionello-Denolf K et al.Receptive Language Disorders.Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04853-1
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Aphasia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Language and Speech Disorders in Children.
