Language Disorder is a disorder characterized by difficulties in the acquisition and use of language, due to deficits in the production or comprehension of vocabulary, discourse, and sentence structure. These deficits will be apparent in spoken communication, written communication, or sign language. These deficits can either be in receptive and/or expressive skills.
Language disorder occurs early in the developmental period. However, there is great variation in early vocabulary acquisition between individuals up until age 4, making the diagnosis unreliable. However, by 4 years of age, individual differences in language ability stabilize, and deficits by this age are highly predictive for future outcomes in adulthood. Individuals with a family history of language disorders are more likely to develop this disorder.[1]
Language disorder is strongly associated with specific learning disorder (in particular with literacy and numeracy), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, social (pragmatic) communication disorder, and developmental coordination disorder.
Persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of language across modalities (i.e. - spoken, written, sign language, or other) due to deficits in comprehension or production that include the following:
Language abilities are substantially and quantifiably below those expected for age, resulting in functional limitations in effective communication, social participation, academic achievement, or occupational performance, individually or in any combination.
Onset of symptoms is in the early developmental period.
The difficulties are not attributable to hearing or other sensory impairment, motor dysfunction, or another medical or neurological condition and are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.
The etiology of a language disorder can either be developmental (develops at birth), or acquired (through hearing loss, neurological disorders, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or substance abuse).
Speech and language therapy is the main treatment. This can delivered by speech and language pathologists and other clinicians. Assistive technology, special education, and educational accommodations may also be used to help individuals.