Language

A language disorder is an impairment that makes it hard for someone to find the right words and form clear sentences when speaking. It can also make it difficult to understand what another person says. A child may have difficulty understanding what others say, may struggle to put thoughts into words, or both.

Signs of a language impairment include very basic vocabulary and short, ungrammatical and incomplete sentences. While peers chat and tell jokes, your child may have trouble following the conversation and miss the jokes. He also may speak in much shorter sentences than peers and have trouble answering even simple questions.

There are three kinds of language disorders:

Receptive language issues involve difficulty understanding what others are saying.
Expressive language issues involve difficulty expressing thoughts and ideas.
Mixed receptive-expressive language issues involve difficulty understanding and using spoken language.

For more information on all types of language disorders, visit ASHA.org.

We can help! Contact Speech Therapy services at 229-246-4088 to find out how your child can be evaluated. Our SLPs can advise whether professional help is indicated and how to arrange for assistance. Early help is especially important for more severe problems.