Language Disorders

The language disorders are a type of communication disorder. People who don’t know the term might think it has to do with speech. But language disorders are about trouble using and understanding spoken language.

People with language disorder have difficulty expressing themselves and understanding what others are saying. This is unrelated to hearing problems. Language disorder, formerly known as receptive-expressive language disorder, is common in young children.

A child with expressive language disorder has trouble using language. The child may be able to understand what other people say. But he or she has trouble when trying to talk, and often can’t express what he or she is feeling and thinking. The disorder can affect both written and spoken language. And children who use sign language can still have trouble expressing themselves.

There are three different types of language disorders:

Receptive language disorder: Children with receptive language disorder have difficulty understanding language. They struggle to comprehend words they hear or read, as well as what others are saying. They often respond in ways that don’t make sense.

Expressive language disorder: Children with expressive language disorder have trouble using language. They may be able to understand what other people say but have trouble speaking with others and or expressing their thoughts, feelings, needs, and ideas through language. The disorder can affect spoken, written, and sign language.

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder:
Children with both disorders at the same time have difficulty understanding what others say as well as being understood by others.

Froala Editor

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