What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has a Language Disorder?

From the first cry, coo, and giggle, you start imagining what your child’s voice will sound like when they finally learn their first words. 

It’s an exciting time to be a parent, but it can also come with frustration, disappointment, and worry when your child doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of language when they should. 

At Wellness Pediatrics in Fairfax, Virginia, Drs. Tina Floy and Trinidad Rojas take every stage of development seriously, and we take quick action when we notice a delay. We partner with you and your family to provide the support, education, and therapies necessary for your child to thrive. 

In this blog, we walk you through the basics of what to look for and what to do when you suspect your child has a language disorder. 

Understanding language disorders in children

It’s incredible to watch an infant or toddler who can’t speak clearly yet but can understand and respond to what you’re saying. As your child grows, those communication skills strengthen with their rapidly developing brain, and eventually, they can relay their thoughts and feelings back to you. 

But some children develop a language disorder, preventing or delaying this natural progression.

Language disorders look different for each child, but they generally fall into one of two categories: receptive language disorder and expressive language disorder. 

Receptive language disorder occurs when a child has trouble understanding words they hear or read. They may also have trouble:

• Understanding gestures
• Grasping new concepts and ideas
• Learning new words
• Answering questions
• Following directions
• Identifying objects

A child with an expressive language disorder has difficulty speaking with others and expressing their thoughts and feelings. They can usually understand what’s being said to them, but they won’t be able to respond effectively. 

Other warning signs of expressive language disorder include difficulties with:

• Communicating  thoughts and feelings through writing
• Using words correctly
• Telling stores
• Using gestures
• Asking questions
• Singing songs 
• Reciting poems
• Naming objects

Many children have both types of disorders at the same time, and they’re usually diagnosed between 3-5 years old. 

Children who grow up in a bilingual home don’t develop a language disorder as a result of learning two languages. But if they do have a language disorder, it will affect speaking, writing, and communicating in both languages. 

The why behind language disorders

Language disorders are complicated and can stem from many possible causes. They’re typically linked to a health problem or underlying disability, such as:

• A brain disorder such as autism
• A brain injury or tumor
• Down syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing loss
• Thinking disability
• Failure to thrive
• Family history of language disorders

Problems during pregnancy or birth, such as poor nutrition, fetal alcohol syndrome, premature birth, and low birth weight, can also play a role. 

In other cases, it’s unclear exactly what’s caused your child’s delay.

Your first steps

If your child is struggling with language development, our office should be your first stop. We discuss your child's language use, review their health history, and may even perform a physical and/or hearing test. 

If we detect a language disorder, we may refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who can further diagnose and treat your child. 

The SLP evaluates your child during play, which can be in a group setting or one-on-one with your child. They look for how your child speaks, listens, follows directions, understands the names of things, repeats phrases or rhymes, and performs other language-based activities. 

Treatment for a language disorder usually includes age-appropriate methods that promote language and communication, often through play. Your child’s SLP may:

• Use toys, books, objects, and pictures to encourage language development
• Engage your child in activities and crafts
• Practice with your child by asking and answering questions

They may also recommend a few things to try at home, including reading and talking with your child, listening and responding when talking with them, encouraging your child to ask and answer questions, and pointing out words in books and on signs. 

It can be incredibly frustrating when your child’s language disorder spills over into their social and academic life, but working with our team and a dedicated SLP can help you and your child navigate their specific needs. 

Nearly 1 in 12 children in the United States has a disorder related to speech and language. If your child is one of them, you should know you’re not alone. 

Don’t hesitate to call us at 571-350-0953 or use our online booking tool to talk with one of our experts today.