Language refers to the way in which an individual uses their words to share ideas, express opinions, advocate for basic wants/needs and to express feelings/emotions. Language can also include one’s ability to comprehend spoken language and the ability to understand others.
Language disorders are generally broken down into two broad categories:
- Receptive Language Disorder (difficulty or delay in understanding what others say)
- Expressive Language Disorder (difficulty or delay in sharing thoughts, ideas, feelings) either through spoken language or written expression.
Language disorders can include challenges in both comprehension and/or production and can occur in any of the five language domains: 1) Morphology, 2) Phonology, 3) Pragmatics, 4) Syntax, 5) Semantics. Language disorders can persist across the lifespan, range in severity, can be post-secondary to a medical event (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Progressive neurological disease), and symptoms can change over time.
Examples of receptive language skills
- Following directions
- Understanding conversation
- Answering questions accurately and appropriately
- Understanding stories
- Using correct verb tenses, pronouns, plurals, etc.
- Understanding and responding appropriately to social situations
- Understanding basic concepts (big/small, tall/short, rough/smooth, body parts, colors, shapes, etc.)
Examples of expressive language skills
- Make requests
- Make choices
- Ask/Answer questions
- Describing events/story retell
- Speaking
- Using gestures to get need met
- Written expression
- Use of nonverbal body language (facial expressions, smiling, crying)
- Vocalizations (crying, yelling)
How can a Speech-Language Pathologist help?
Speech-Language Pathologists play an important role in screening, assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals experiencing language disorders. SLPs are qualified to provide evidence-based treatment plans in each of the five language domains. SLPs can provide treatment for individuals with a language disorder accompanied by other conditions such as Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Psychological/Emotional Disorders, and Hearing loss. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of language and communication allows the Speech-Language Pathologist to develop a unique person-centered treatment plan focusing on the unique language characteristics and communication needs of their individual client.
