Receptive Language Delays/Disorders

April 19, 2009

Receptive language delays and disorders can impact the way a child takes in and comprehends spoken and written language. Parents feel that they must repeat themselves many, many times before their child figures out what it is they want them to do. In therapy, we can help develop a system of cues and strategies that will assist your child as he struggles to comprehend the language presented to him. Your therapist is also available to assist your child in his classroom/course tasks. This is an area that frustrates parents to a large degree and we have often worked with children who have been punished because parents feel there is a behavioral concern versus a language issue. Rarely do children show only a receptive language delay. This type of delay/disorder usually coincides with other areas of concern (expressive language delay, learning disabilities and more).

Auditory Processing Delays/Disorders fall under the receptive language delay/disorder umbrella as well. Please see that section for more information.

Expressive Language Delays/Disorders

April 18, 2009

Expressive language delays and/or disorders are characteristic in a child who has difficulties or inabilities to express himself through spoken language. Many parents identify concerns in their child by the apparent gap in what the child understands versus what he is able to communicate. Expressive language delays are often evident in early developmental stages. For example, at 18 months of age, a child should be producing 15 – 20 words and possibly be beginning to put 2 words together (”more juice”, “mommy up”). If, at 18 months, your child is not saying any words, treatment would be recommended.

Many children with expressive language difficulties show frustration at their inability to communicate. Language therapy will help address these frustrations and provide your child with alternative ways to communicate (ie, sign language, picture communication symbols, etc) in conjunction with treatment until the verbal language begins to emerge.

Please see our Developmental Milestones article for more information on what to expect at different age levels.

Aphasia

April 18, 2009

Aphasia is a language impairment that is a result of stroke, brain injury or disease that impacts brain tissue. It is more typically diagnosed in adults, however children may also receive a diagnosis of aphasia following a traumatic brain injury or stroke/neurological incident. There are varying degrees and classifications to aphasia based upon which part of the brain is impacted. Language impairments with aphasia present in varying degrees. The ability to express oneself, understand spoken and written language, sequence thoughts, and formulate sentences are among some of the characteristics. Memory and social skills may also be impacted as well as many other aspects.

Specific treatment plans will be developed by your therapist in conjunction with your child’s neurologist and other specialists to target difficulties present.