Language Disorders

Language disorders affect a child's ability to understand and/or use words to communicate. These conditions are different from speech disorders, which are more about producing sounds. Language issues can appear early in childhood and often benefit greatly from early speech and language therapy.

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1. Receptive Language Disorder

This type of disorder affects a child’s ability to understand spoken or written language.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty following instructions

• Not responding to questions appropriately

• Trouble understanding stories or explanations

Example: A child may not follow “Pick up your shoes” even though they can hear well.

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2. Expressive Language Disorder

Expressive disorders involve difficulty expressing thoughts, needs, or ideas using spoken or written words.

Common Signs:

• Limited vocabulary

• Trouble forming sentences

• Using incorrect grammar (e.g., “He going” instead of “He is going”)

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3. Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder

Children with this condition struggle with both understanding and using language effectively.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty with both listening comprehension and verbal expression

• Struggles in classroom communication

• Delayed milestones in language development

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4. Pragmatic Language Disorder (Social Communication Disorder)

This affects the social use of language, such as knowing how to take turns in conversation, stay on topic, or adjust language for different listeners.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty starting or ending conversations

• Trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or idioms

• Problems with eye contact and body language

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Causes of Language Disorders in Children

Language disorders can be caused by:

• Developmental delays

• Hearing loss

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy)

• Genetic factors

• Brain injury

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When to See a Language Therapist

You should consult a speech and language therapist in India if your child:

• Doesn’t speak by 18–24 months

• Has difficulty understanding simple instructions

• Struggles to form sentences by age 3

• Can’t participate in age-appropriate conversations

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