What Is a Language Disorder?
A language disorder is when a child has trouble understanding what others say (receptive language) or expressing themselves clearly (expressive language). Some children may struggle with both. These difficulties go beyond the normal “late talking” phase and can affect how a child learns, plays and connects with others.
Language disorders are not caused by low intelligence or poor parenting—they are real and treatable developmental challenges. With early support, many children make strong progress.
Types of Language Disorders
1. Receptive Language Disorder
Children with receptive language challenges may have difficulty:
- Following directions
- Understanding questions
- Learning new vocabulary
- Processing spoken information
2. Expressive Language Disorder
Children with expressive language difficulties may:
- Use limited vocabulary for their age
- Struggle to form full sentences
- Leave out key words or word endings
- Have trouble telling stories or answering questions
3. Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
Some children have challenges with both understanding and expressing language, which can affect all areas of communication and learning.
Signs Your Child May Have a Language Disorder
Every child develops at their own pace, but you may want to reach out for an evaluation if your child:
- Isn’t talking by 18–24 months
- Uses fewer words or sentences than other children their age
- Has trouble understanding directions or answering questions
- Finds it difficult to join in conversations or tell stories
- Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
- Struggles with early reading or learning in preschool or kindergarten
How Are Language Disorders Different from Speech Disorders?
While speech disorders involve how sounds are made (like saying “wabbit” for “rabbit”), language disorders are about the content and structure of communication—understanding words, forming sentences and using language in meaningful ways.
How We Can Help
At the Center for Hearing and Speech, our team of licensed speech-language pathologists specializes in early identification and treatment of language disorders in children.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive language evaluations
- Individualized therapy plans tailored to your child’s needs
- Parent coaching and home strategies
- Collaboration with teachers and educational teams
Don’t Wait—Early Help Matters
Language is the foundation for learning, reading and social development. If your child is struggling to understand or express themselves, early intervention can make a big difference.
Call Center for Hearing & Speech at (314) 968-4710 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
