Childhood Language Disorders

What Are the Signs of a Childhood Language Disorder?

The three major signs of a childhood language disorder are (1) problems understanding words (2) problems putting words together, and (3) other possible related reading and/or writing problems.

Problems Understanding Words

Someone with a childhood language disorder may have problems understanding words. The ability to understand words is called receptive language. Children with receptive language problems might have trouble doing any of these things:

• recognizing gestures

• following directions

• recognizing pictures

• answering questions

Problems Putting Words Together

Someone with a childhood language disorder may have problems putting words together to say something. The ability to put words together is called expressive language. Children with expressive language problems might have trouble doing any of these things:

• naming objects
• using gestures
• learning songs and rhymes
• repeating the sounds or words you say
• asking questions
• putting words together into sentences
• taking turns in conversation
• changing how they talk to different people and in different places

Possible Related Reading and/or Writing Problems

Someone with a childhood language disorder may have related reading and/or writing problems that may include:

• not holding books correctly
• not looking at pictures in a book
• finding it hard to follow stories
• having trouble naming letters or numbers

What Causes Childhood Language Disorders?

Some language disorders have no clear cause. The following factors are possible causes:

• autism
• prematurity or low birth weight
• Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
• family history
• hearing loss

How Are Childhood Language Disorders Diagnosed?

Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, usually work on a team to test your child’s language skills. They will ask you and your child’s teachers questions. They will observe your child play and interact with others. They’ll check if your child does these things:

• follows directions
• names objects or actions
• recognizes colors, numbers, and letters
• joins routines and conversations
• uses appropriate language with different people

Sometimes, language disorders are not diagnosed until your child reaches middle or high school. An older child with a language disorder might:

• have difficulty following classroom instructions
• have poor reading or spelling
• have trouble telling stories or talking about their ideas
• use limited vocabulary and simple sentences
• struggle with hints or things that aren’t said directly, like metaphors

How Are Childhood Language Disorders Treated?

SLPs help children improve understanding, talking, and early reading and writing. Treatment may involve these tasks:

• building vocabulary
• practicing following directions
• learning sentence structure
• exploring ways to express thoughts and feelings
• teaching family, teachers, and caregivers ways to support communication
• using gestures, picture boards, or speech devices if needed

Services may happen one-on-one, in small groups, or within the classroom or community.

How Can You Help Your Child at Home?

Parents and caregivers can help children with a language disorder learn how to communicate better. Parents can:

• Talk and read together every day.
• Name objects, signs, and actions.
• Encourage your child’s questions and conversations.
• Speak in the language(s) you’re most comfortable using.
• Answer your child’s attempts to communicate.
• Limit screen time in favor of interactive activities.

Can Children Learn More Than One Language Without Problems?

Yes! Children who use more than one language can develop language skills just like children who use only one language. Using multiple languages at home won’t confuse or delay a child. If a child has difficulty in all languages, consult an SLP, who can work directly with your child or through an interpreter.

Visit ASHA ProFind to find a certified SLP near you.

Resources

Inclusion does not imply endorsement.

• ASHA’s Developmental Milestones: Birth to 5 Years
• DLD and Me
• Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder—USA