Language Disorders in Children: Know Types, Signs, Causes, and More

Many children naturally learn to use the right language to communicate with others. However, some children find this process challenging as they grow and develop. Language disorders in children are among the challenges they face, especially in understanding others’ speech. Those dealing with this may struggle to express their ideas, points of view, and feelings. As a responsible parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child in this challenging phase. It is normal to wonder, “What to do?” “How to handle such situations?” or “How do I know if my child needs professional guidance?” 

At Nupal CDC, we have worked with hundreds of children with receptive, mixed, and expressive language disorders. Furthermore, in this comprehensive blog post, we will provide end-to-end answers to your questions on language development for early childhood, including causes, symptoms, treatments, and more. 

What are Language Disorders in Children? 

Several young children experience language disorders at some point in their lives. Some children eventually catch up, but some continue to have language problems. Moreover, language disorders in children include speech and vocabulary disorders. A child may have a disorder if they have a problem conveying meaning through writing, gestures, or speech. Likewise, language development for early childhood has a vast form of communication. Some children have a language disorder despite producing sounds well and having clear speech. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early childhood. However, they can occur later if the parent and their children have a brain injury or condition that concerns their capability to use language to express their thoughts and ideas. 

How Common are Language Disorders in Children Globally? 

Language disorders in children are highly common, with an estimated prevalence of roughly 7% to 10% globally, impacting approximately 1 in every 14 to 1 in every 10 children. Furthermore, these developmental language disorders (DLD), which interfere with using or understanding language, are among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, with effects that can last till adulthood. 

Language Disorder Signs to Notice in Children 

Disorder of language development for early childhood is entirely dependent on the disorder’s type and its causes. In general, signs of disorders include issues with understanding and using language. 

Issues with Understanding Language 

Check out the main signs of language disorders in children, including understanding language issues: 

1. Facing difficulties while concentrating when people are talking, especially if there’s more than one individual talking at the same time or a loud background voice. 

2. Seeming introvert, shy, or withdrawn 

3. Missing or remembering details of conversations for a long time

4. Misunderstanding what people say and taking thing in a wrong way

5. Not understanding slang, jokes, or puns 

Issues With Using Language 

Here are the imperative signs of language disorders in children, including language issues that children face:

1. Ignoring Social Interactions

2. Using the same phrases again and again 

3. Using single and short words or simple phrases and sentences 

4. Keep repeating common words or phrases 

5. Fumble with tenses or eat words 

6. Making up new words

7. Difficult find the appropriate words 

What are the Fundamental Causes of Language Disorders in a Child?

Here, we outline two ways in which language disorders in children can occur that every parent should know: 

1. Congenital Language Disorder (By Birth) 

Some people are also born with a language disorder. Furthermore, healthcare providers sometimes refer to it as Developmental Language Disorder. In many of these disorders, the exact cause is unknown. 

2. Acquired Language Disorder (Later) 

Some people develop a language disorder later in life, typically due to a medical condition. Brain injury or a condition affecting the brain can impair language ability, preventing someone from communicating. A common example is aphasia.

Other causes every parent should know who is concerned about their child’s language development for early childhood: 

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2. Hearing Loss/Loss of Hearing

3. Premature Birth

4. Intellectual Disability/Cognitive Delay

5. Low Birth Weight

6. Perinatal Factors/Jaundice

7. Structural Brain Abnormalities

8. Birth Asphyxia

9. Genetic Factors/Inheritance

Risk Factors of Language Disorders in Children 

Children might be at risk for language development for early childhood if there is a genetic history of the following: 

1. Family History of language disorders

2. Premature birth (under 37 weeks) 

3. Low Birth Weight (LBW) 

4. Make Gander 

5. Lack of Environmental Stimulation 

6. Birth Asphyxia/Oxygen Deprivation 

7. Prenatal Exposure to Infection/Substances 

8. Frequent Otitis Media (Ear Infections) 

9. Low Parental Education/SES

10. Neurodevelopment Disorders 

11. Excessive Screen Time/Gadgets 

12. Deleterious Oral Habits 

13. Oro-Pharyngeal Deformities 

Types of Language Disorders in Children 

There are two types of language disorders in children. Learning the differences is critical to getting the right kind of help at the right time for your child.

1. Expressive Language Disorder

Children with expressive language disorder may have difficulty using new words, combining words to form sentences, telling stories or fairy tales, or expressing their needs and wants. Moreover, it is very frustrating for the children, as they are clear-thinking but not clear-speaking.

2. Receptive language disorder

Children with receptive language disorder may struggle to understand the meaning of words they hear, making it hard to follow what is being said to them or to interpret written words. They may not be able to answer questions or, in some cases, answer nonsensically.

Nevertheless, some children may have a combination of expressive and receptive language disorders. Children with a combination of expressive and receptive language disorders are said to have a mixed language disorder. Children with mixed language disorders have both expressive and receptive language problems.

How are Language Disorders Diagnosed in Children at Nupal CDC?

Early diagnosis of language disorders in children is critical to their development. The experts at Nupal CDC carefully evaluate communication skills to identify the root cause. Moreover, our expert doctors speak with parents about the child's condition, including the child’s age at the onset of verbal communication, the age at which sentence production started, and parental exposure to language. Therefore, the speech-language therapist knows the child's listening, comprehension, speaking, and interaction abilities. Furthermore, assessment is not limited to "speaking". Other aspects of the child, such as development, attention span, learning ability, and social communication, are also emphasized through Nupal CDC. It will aid accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Here is the simple explanation of the entire diagnosis procedure: 

1. Parent Interview & Background Check: pregnancy, birth history, milestones, medical history 

2. Hearing Screening: rule out hearing problems (hearing problems are a common cause for delay in language acquisition) 

3. Speech Language Evaluation: vocabulary, sentence formation, pronunciation, and comprehension 

4. Standardized Tests: age-appropriate language assessments are employed 

5. Play-Based Observation: natural communication is verified using games and activities 

6. Oral Motor Exam: Lips, tongue, and jaw movements are checked. 

7. School/Teacher Inputs: Teacher feedback is also collected as needed 

8. Final Report & Therapy Plan: diagnosis, objectives, and therapy plan are clearly conveyed. 

Additionally, the CDC's approach is friendly and kid-centric, providing comfort and clarity for parents.

Professional Treatment of Language Disorders at Nupal CDC

There's no single way to treat a person with a language disorder. Generally, treatment will depend on the individual's specific needs and will typically be tailored to the patient. For example:

1. Congenital 

If your child is diagnosed with an expressive language disorder at the age of 3, the therapist will give him or her exercises and techniques to improve the use of words and sentences.

2. Acquired

If an acquired language disorder is the case, the provider will work with you to engage in those activities that will enable you to communicate in a confident manner. Words can be highly effective in communication. The provider might also offer alternatives, such as spelling words by pointing to them, using a tablet, or using a speech-generating device.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: What are the five common speech disorders in children?

Ans: Speech disorders among children are quite common, and with early intervention, progress is known to be rapid. Let's examine the top five most common speech disorders and understand the role of speech therapy:

1. Articulation Disorder

2. Phonological Disorders

3. Fluency Disorder (Stutter

4. Apraxia of Speech

5. Voice Disorders

Q2: Can a child overcome a language disorder?

Ans: Yes, at some stage in their lives, many young children face communication difficulties. Nonetheless, such children grow and overcome these difficulties. In some cases, children may still face these difficulties.

Q3: When does a delay in language become a disorder? 

Ans: For children in general, it is recommended that they undergo the test between ages 1.5 and 2 years, enabling early identification and intervention for delays and disabilities. There is also a checklist from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders that helps track children's milestones up to age 5. 

Q4: Is ADHD a Language Disorder? 

Ans: ADHD is not explicitly categorized as a language disorder, for the factor of language difficulties is not a chief consideration for the diagnosis. Still, a child with ADHD experiences difficulties with various language skills, including expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language.