Language Disorders

What are language disorders?

Language disorders are disorders that make it difficult to communicate orally, both to speak and to understand what other people say. There are three types of disorders:

• Receptive language disorders: represent the inability to understand.
• Expressive language disorders: hinder the ability to express thoughts and ideas.
• Mixed disorders: represent the inability to both speak and understand correctly.

What are the symptoms of language disorders?

In receptive language, the main symptoms are having trouble understanding what others say, following simple instructions and organizing the information one hears. These symptoms are difficult to detect at an early age.

In the case of expressive language, symptoms may be more easily identified at an early age. Not starting to speak until age two, starting at age three but finding it difficult to say, or having difficulty explaining something may be symptoms of expressive language disorders.

What are the causes of language disorders?

There is no well-defined cause of language disorders, although it is estimated that the main ones may be:

• Genetics: according to research, 20-40% of children with a history of language impairment have this disorder.
• Other conditions: Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, premature birth, intellectual disabilities.

Can language disorders be prevented?

It is important to have good nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, especially taking folic acid (a type of vitamin B), to prevent these disorders. It is also recommended not to use jargon or stereotypes or have inappropriate attitudes towards a child’s difficulty in expressing him/herself, as this can lead to other problems such as stuttering.

What is the treatment of language disorders?

It is important to treat language disorders as early as possible. The main techniques used are:

• Regular speech therapy: consists of working individually on vocabulary and grammar development.
• Psychotherapy: is used when a child has emotional problems as a result of language difficulties.