Complexities of Developmental Language Disorders
A developmental language disorder can involve both the comprehension and production of language. These language disorders can be classified according to the major components of the linguistic system.
Semantics refers to the meaning of individual words and the rules that govern the combinations of word meanings to form meaningful phrases and sentences. Impairments in this area can take the form of a limited or reduced vocabulary, word retrieval difficulties, problems with making word associations, and difficulty with understanding nonliteral/figurative language including jokes/humor, metaphors, and idioms.
Morphology refers to the structure of words and the building of individual words from the basic elements of meaning (e.g., adding -s to change a noun from singular to plural, or adding -ed to change a present tense verb to past tense). An impairment in this area affects the ability to understand/use markers of grammar.
Syntax involves the rules governing the order and combination of words in producing well-formed sentences. Impairments in this area are characterized by problems with simple and complex sentence types.
Pragmatics refers to the rules governing the use of language in a social context. Pragmatic deficits can include limited intentional communication, turn-taking difficulties, and an inability to repair a communication breakdown with a social partner.
Phonology refers to the specific sounds that make up the sound system of a language as well as the rules that govern sound combinations. Deficits in this area are distinct from other speech sound disorders such as articulation, or motor-speech impairments.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Children with language delays or disorders often show early signs of difficulties in social situations and later in an academic setting. Those difficulties can result in problems with behavior manifested by social withdrawal and/or acting out. It is important for caregivers to discuss any concerns regarding a child’s language development with their pediatrician and then consult with a speech-language pathologist. Caregivers are also referred to the following speech and language milestones development chart by clicking here. The following is a general guide of signs or symptoms of a language impairment. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties will vary from child-to-child dependent on their age.
Children with a receptive language disorder may have some or all the following symptoms:
Difficulty understanding what people have said to them.
Struggle to follow directions that are spoken to them.
Problems organizing their thoughts for speaking or writing.
Have difficulty attending and listening to language.
Not pay attention within group times at kindergarten and school.
Respond to questions by repeating what you say instead of giving an answer.
Find it difficult to listen to stories.
Give unusual answers to questions.
Children with an expressive language disorder may have some or all the following symptoms:
Struggle to put words together into a sentence or may not string together words correctly in their sentences.
Have difficulties finding the right words while speaking and uses placeholder words like “um.”
Have a low vocabulary level compared to other children the same age.
Leave words out of sentences when talking.
Use tenses (past, present, future) incorrectly.
Have difficulty naming items and objects.
Not link together words or uses sentences that are shorter than others of the same age.
Use sentences that sound immature for their age.
Use ‘jargon’ (made up words) in speech.
Produce sentences that are ‘muddled’ (i.e. words in wrong order, lots of stops and starts, a lack of flow).
Have difficulty finding the right words to use in conversation or when describing or explaining something.
Have trouble retelling a story.
Have difficulty writing paragraphs and stories.