Language Disorders

WHAT IS A LANGUAGE DISORDER?

A language disorder is a general term used to describe decreased ability in receptive language, expressive language, and language use in daily activities. Children who experience language deficits may struggle to communicate clearly, comprehend, or interact with others. Speech-language pathologists can support children in building language.

What Do Language Disorders Look Like?

Receptive Language

Receptive language refers to the comprehension of language information, including knowledge of vocabulary words and concepts (i.e. under, above, next to), understanding sentence structure (i.e. plural, past tense verbs), and interpreting nonliteral information (i.e. metaphors, sarcasm).

Receptive Langauge Skills:

N

Pointing to objects and pictures

N

Following directions

N

Answering age-appropriate questions

N

Understanding a story

N

Turn-taking in play and in conversation

Expressive Language

Expressive language refers to the methods and skills a child uses to communicate with others. A child may use gestures, sounds, words, sign language, or symbols to express what he/she needs, wants, or thinks. It is important for children to use age-appropriate vocabulary words, grammar, and sentence length in order to clearly communicate with others.

Expressive Langauge Skills:

N

Naming objects

N

Speaking words and sentences

N

Asking questions

N

Keeping conversations going or initiating conversations

Pragmatic Language

Pragmatic language refers to the social skills required to engage appropriately with others, including reading facial expressions and body language, anticipating the responses of others, reading emotions, engaging in conversation, and using eye contact, among other skills. These are important skills for relating to others, getting wants and needs met, being successful in daily interactions, and participating in activities in the community.

Pragmatic Langauge Skills:

N

Using eye contact during conversation

N

Responding to questions from others

N

Starting and continuing conversations on topic

N

Interpreting body language, facial expression, and tone of voice

N

Interpreting sarcasm and inferring unspoken information

speech language pathologist working on language skills

How Can ETLC Help?

We utilize evidence-based treatment approaches to improve your child’s language deficits. Our language therapy will improve your child’s abilities to clearly express themselves, and use age-appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. We support your child’s receptive language skills by increasing understanding and their ability to follow directions.

You will receive one-on-one services that identify the root issue holding your child back, create an individualized treatment plan, and use research-proven approaches to help your child succeed.

How Do I Get Started?

1. Schedule a consultation

2. Receive an individualized plan

3. Watch your child thrive

Why Choose ETLC?

At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, we believe every child deserves to thrive with their communication and academic skills, and we know you want that too. Our specialists are trained in many research-based programs and strategies to create a plan specific to your child and their unique learning style. Together, we can help your child feel confident and successful!