Expressive language disorder

Expressive language disorder is a communication disorder that involves difficulties with verbal expression. It is characterized by a child's inability to express themselves effectively through speech. Children with this disorder often have a strong understanding of language and a normal ability to understand spoken language, but struggle to formulate sentences, find the right words, or articulate their thoughts.

Definition

Expressive language disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a communication disorder characterized by difficulties in the production of spoken language, despite normal comprehension of spoken language and nonverbal intelligence.

Symptoms

Symptoms of expressive language disorder can vary widely, but often include difficulty finding the right words, using incorrect tense, struggling to make sentences, and having a limited vocabulary. Children with this disorder may also have difficulty telling stories or relaying information.

Causes

The exact cause of expressive language disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to certain risk factors such as genetic predisposition, brain injury, or developmental disorders such as autism.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of expressive language disorder is typically made by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) through a series of language tests and observations. The SLP will assess the child's ability to express themselves verbally and compare it to typical language development milestones.

Treatment

Treatment for expressive language disorder typically involves speech therapy, where an SLP works with the child to improve their language skills. This can involve exercises to improve vocabulary, sentence structure, and storytelling abilities.

See also

• Receptive language disorder
• Speech disorder
• Language development
• Communication disorders

References

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