Lang Dis Child: Language Disorders

Lecture 3

What is a language disorder?

An impairment in understanding and/or using language. Can affect form, content, use, or any combination

What makes a language disorder a disorder?

It must significantly impact everyday functioning

What is receptive language?

Understanding language.

What is expressive language?

Using language

Understanding a question requires what language skill?

Receptive language

Answering a question requires what language skill?

Expressive language.

What is Primary DLD?

Language disorder with no known underlying cause

What is Secondary DLD?

Language disorder caused by another diagnosis or condition

Examples of Secondary DLD causes?

Autism, Down Syndrome, TBI, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, brain injury.

Easy way to remember Primary DLD?

"No known reason."

Easy way to remember Secondary DLD?

"We know what's causing it."

Mild DLD means what?

Child functions independently with minimal support.

Moderate DLD means what?

Significant language difficulties requiring support.

Severe DLD means what?

Extensive support needed to function.

Hallmark feature #1 of Primary DLD?

Persistent tense and agreement errors

Example of tense/agreement error.

"He run." "She running.”

Hallmark feature #2 of Primary DLD?

Poor nonword repetition

Why do children with DLD struggle with nonword repetition?

Weak phonological working memory.

What should you determine when analyzing a DLD case?

Form, content, use affected; severity; primary vs secondary; ADL impact.

"Kids do well when they can" means what?

Assume missing skills or supports rather than intentional misbehavior.

Better alternative to "attention seeking"?

Connection seeking

Better alternative to "low functioning"?

High support needs