Primary Language Impairment

Language Disorders Overview

I. Language Disorders Overview

A. Dichotomy

  1. Primary Language Impairment (PLI)

  2. Secondary Language Impairment

II. Primary Language Impairment

A. Definition

  • Language impairment without other deficits

B. Key Characteristics

  1. Language difficulties as primary issue

  2. Alignment with DSM-5 criteria

III. Types of Primary Language Impairment

A. Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

  1. Affects about 7% of children (NIDCD, 2020)

  2. Diagnostic criteria

    • Must meet all criteria

    • Nonverbal IQ must be above 85

B. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

  1. Interchangeable with SLI and PLI

  2. Language disorders in typically developing children

IV. Current Field Debate

A. DLD vs. SLI terminology

B. Concerns

  1. Exclusivity of SLI and IQ assessments

  2. Importance of SLI research history

    • Laurence B. Leonard's concerns (Volkers, 2018)