DefinitionLanguage disorder in children refers to problems with either:Getting their meaning or message across to others (expressive language disorder), orUnderstanding the message coming from others (receptive language disorder)Some children only have an expressive language disorder. Others have a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, meaning that they have symptoms of both conditions.Children with language disorders are able to produce sounds, and their speech can be understood.Alternative NamesDevelopmental aphasia; Developmental dysphasia; Delayed language; Specific developmental language disorder; SLI; Communication disorder - language disorderCauses, incidence, and risk factorsFor most infants and children, language develops naturally beginning at birth. To develop language, a child must be able to hear, see, understand, and remember. Children must also have the physical ability to form speech.Up to 1 out of every 20 children has symptoms of a language disorder. When the cause is unknown, it is called a developmental language disorder.Problems with receptive language skills usually begin before age 4. Some mixed language disorders are caused by a brain injury, and these are sometimes misdiagnosed as developmental disorders.Language disorders may occur in children with other developmental problems, autistic spectrum disorders, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. A language disorder may also be caused by damage to the central nervous system, which is called aphasia.Language disorders are rarely caused by a lack of intelligence.Language disorders are different than delayed language. With delayed language, the child develops speech and language in the same way as other children, but later. In language disorders, speech and language do not develop normally. The child may have some language skills, but not others. Or, the way in which these skills develop will be different than usual.SymptomsA child with language disorder may have one or two of the symptoms listed below, or many of the symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.Children with a receptive language disorder have difficulty understanding langugae. They may have:A hard time understanding what other people have saidProblems following directions that are spoken to themProblems organizing their thoughtsChildren with an expressive language disorder have problems using language to express what they are thinking or need. These children may:Have a hard time putting words together into sentences, or their sentences may be simple and short and the word order may be offHave difficulty finding the right words when talking, and often use placeholder words such as "um"Have a vocabulary that is below the level of other children the same ageLeave words out of sentences when talkingUse certain phrases over and over again, and repeat (echo) parts or all of questionsUse tenses (past, present, future) improperlyBecause of their language problems, these children may have difficulty in social settings. At times, language disorders may be part of the cause of severe behavioral problems.Signs and testsA medical history may reveal that the child has close relatives who have also had speech and language problems.Any child suspected of having this disorder can have standardized receptive and expressive language tests. A speech and language therapist or neuropsychologist will administer these tests.An audiogramshould also be done to rule out deafness, which is one of the most common causes of language problems.TreatmentSpeech and language therapy is the best approach to treating this type of language disorder.Psychological therapy (psychotherapy, counseling, or cognitive behavioral therapy) is also recommended because of the possibility of related emotional or behavioral problems.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies based on the cause. Brain injury or other structural problems generally have a poor outcome, in which the child will have long-term problems with language. Other, more reversible causes can be treated effectively.Many children who have language problems during the preschool years will also have some language problems or learning difficulty later in childhood. They may also have reading disorders.ComplicationsDifficulty understanding and using language can cause problems with social interaction and the ability to function independently as an adult.Reading may be a problem.Depression, anxiety, and other emotional or behavioral problems may complicate language disorders.Calling your health care providerParents who are concerned that their child's speech or language is delayed should see their primary care provider. Ask about getting a referral to a speech and language therapist.Children who are diagnosed with this condition may need to be seen by a neurologist or children's developmental specialist to determine if the cause can be treated.Call your child's health care provider if you see the following signs that your child does not understand language well:At 15 months, does not look or point at 5 to 10 people or objects when they are named by a parent or caregiverAt 18 months, does not follow simple directions, such as "get your coat"At 24 months, is not able to point to a picture or a part of the body when it is namedAt 30 months, does not respond out loud or by nodding or shaking the head and asking questionsAt 36 months, does not follow 2-step directions, and does not understand action wordsAlso call if you notice these signs that your child does not use or express language well:At 15 months, is not using three wordsAt 18 months, is not saying, "Mama," "Dada," or other namesAt 24 months, is not using at least 25 wordsAt 30 months, is not using two-word phrases, including phrases that include both a noun and a verbAt 36 months, does not have at least a 200-word vocabulary, is not asking for items by name, exactly repeats questions spoken by others, language has regressed (become worse), or is not using complete sentencesAt 48 months, often uses words incorrectly or uses a similar or related word instead of the correct wordReferencesLyon GR, Shaywitz SE, Shaywitz BA. Specific language and learning disabilities. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 32.Sharp HM, Hillenbrand K. Speech and language development and disorders in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2008;55:1159-1173.Simms MD. Language disorders in children: classification and clinical syndromes. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54:437-467.Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/29/2010Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.