Developmental Language Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide For Parents

Children show different developmental milestones at different stages of life. Developmental milestones are different from growth. Growth normally refers to the child getting bigger in size, whereas infant developmental milestones are a set of functional skills that most children can do at a specific age. Infant developmental milestones differ at different stages of life. However, children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) face unique challenges in completing their daily tasks. There is a developmental delay, and they are unable to communicate properly. This disorder impacts the life of a child in multiple manners, from social interaction to academic performance. The individual diagnosed with DLD has difficulties in talking or understanding language but does not possess any other biomedical condition. Understanding the nature of the developmental language disorder is crucial for creating the interventions and support system that can help these children reach their full potential.

So, if your near or dear ones are diagnosed with developmental language disorder, it is better to search for the best developmental Pediatrician near me.

What do you understand by Development Language Disorder?

Development Language Disorder is a diagnostic term used for individuals who have difficulties in understanding and producing language. Basically, it is a communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding and using the language. It is a quite common disorder and affects approximately 1 in 14 individuals. It significantly impacts the children's social and educational progress. Surprisingly, these language difficulties are not explained by other conditions, such as autism or lack of exposure to the language. It is also known as specific language impairment or the development of dysphasia.

The individual suffering from the DLD will have difficulties in following the simple instructions; especially of the persons around them are not supportive.

Different Types of Development Language Disorder

It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be broadly categorized into different categories mentioned below:

Receptive Language Disorder: Children with receptive language disorder have difficulties following directions, answering questions or being unable to understand the stories.
Expressive Language Disorder: Children facing the expressive language disorder will have difficulties in communication using the gestures, words, phrases, and sentences.
Pragmatic Language Disorder: The ones who have the pragmatic disorder are unable to use the language for the social purpose such as asking questions, making small talks or making requests.
Mixed Receptive- Expressive Language Disorder: It is a combination of both receptive and expressive language disorders.

Challenges Faced by The Children Suffering from the Developmental Language Disorder

The studies show that DLD affects two children in every classroom in the primary section. Children suffering from DLD will face numerous challenges over a period of time. The most common challenges faced by the pupil suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders include:

Difficulty in paying attention as they are unable to understand what others are saying. It impacts their studies.
They may struggle to understand the following instructions.
Faces difficulty in framing the sentences.

Despite facing the challenges, the children with the DLD can perform well both socially and academically.

How to Identify the Development Language Disorder?

To find the right treatment, you must be aware of the different signs to identify this neurodevelopmental disorder. If your child is having any of the below-mentioned symptom, then probably he/she is suffering from the DLD.

A Child suffering from the receptive language disorder may have trouble in executing the following things:

Understanding what people say
Learning new words
Understanding gestures
Answering questions
Understanding concepts and ideas
Following directions
Understanding what they read
Identifying objects

A child suffering from expressive language disorder will often have trouble expressing what they are thinking. This disorder affects both the verbal and the written communication. It results in developmental delay. The child will often have difficulty in performing the following things:

Using words correctly
Naming objects
Expressing thoughts and ideas
Singing songs or reciting poems
Telling stories
Asking questions
Using gestures

So, if your child shows any of these developmental disabilities symptoms, then it is advisable to contact the Pediatrician or the speech therapist immediately.

What Causes Developmental language disorder in children?

As per developmental psychology, there is no exact cause of developmental disorders in children. However, there are several factors that are associated with the DLD. These risk factors include the following:

Family History: Neurodevelopmental disorders tend to run into the family bloodline. So, if anyone in the family is suffering from a history of language disorder, then there is an increased risk of DLD in your child.
Low Birth Weight: The problems in pregnancy or birth, such as poor nutrition, fetal alcohol syndrome, early (premature) birth, or low birth weight, are supposed to be the main causes of DLD.
Hearing Loss: If your child is suffering from a hearing problem, there is a high possibility of suffering from DLD.

Which Children Are at Risk for Language Development Disorder?

As per the developmental psychology, the exact cause of this disorder is unknown; however, children suffering from the DLD often have the following:

Brain injury
Autism
Premature birth
Cerebral palsy
Failure to thrive
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
A family history having language disorders
Genetic disorders like Down syndrome
Low birth weight
Thinking disabilities
Poor nutrition
Stroke
Hearing loss
Tumors

Is Developmental Language Disorder a Lifelong Condition?

Yes, developmental disorder is a lifelong disorder which means that the symptoms appears at first in the childhood. But with the right support the impact can be lessened. However, the condition will likely to continue and changes as the people get older.

In most cases it is seen that the early intervention and the appropriate support helps in overcoming the developmental language disorder. While some children faces less difficulties in the adulthood due to the early intervention. The loneness of the developmental language disorder depends on several factors, such as the early intervention, support system, the children willpower to learn new vocabulary and more.

How is Development Language Disorder Diagnosed in Children?

If you suspect your kid is suffering from a language disorder, the first thing is to visit your Pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist as soon as possible. They may observe your child to see how they interact with others and ask you questions regarding your child's growth. To rule out any hearing issues, they might also do a hearing test. In certain situations, they might also advise taking an IQ test or developmental evaluation. The speech-language pathologist will be able to diagnose your child and provide a treatment plan once all of the testing is finished.

The Pediatrician will observe the following things in your children:

Follow directions
Listens
Speaks
Repeat Rhymes or phrases
understand the name of things

Best Ways to Overcome the Development of Language Disorder

Luckily, the developmental language disorder is treatable. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better it will be. The treatment for the neurodevelopmental disorders is provided by the certified therapist. The treatment can be provided anywhere at home, clinic, school, university or the outpatient hospital settings.

As a parent if you are wondering how you can help your child to overcome DLD, here are some general tips that will help your child in overcoming the problem. However, it is advisable to follow the advice of your child's therapist.

Use Short, Simple Sentences

Instead of using the complex sentences, it is advisable to use the simple and short sentences. It will help your child to better understand what you are saying. Also, slow down your rate of speech and provide one instruction at a time. Keep a pause between the two sentences, and always be prepared to rephrase your sentences.

Be Patient

Always be patient with your child suffering from the DLD. It is crucial to give your youngsters additional time to respond to what you are saying. Children with language problems may take longer to answer inquiries or provide requests. You must give your child five to ten seconds to think and then answer your question. They will have more time to consider what they want to say. Patience is the best key to dealing with children suffering from DLD.

Give your Child Choices

Always give your child two choices. It will help your child better understand what you are saying. It is always better to ask, "Do you wish to eat blueberries or apples? Instead of asking, "Do you wish to eat fruits?"

Provide Visuals

For youngsters who struggle with language, visual aids like drawings, signs, and demonstrations can be very beneficial. These typically assist not only children with DLD but also other kids as well. When teaching a new subject, make use of as many senses as you can. Examine it. If you can, give it a touch. Sketch it. Tell the youngster what to do.

Speech Therapy's Role in Autism Treatment

Speech therapy addresses the challenges faced by people with communication and language disorders. The overall goal of the speech therapy is to help the person communicate in a more useful and functional way. Speech therapy's role in autism treatment is significantly important and life changing. It significantly improves their ability to communicate and understand others. Different speech therapy techniques are used in the speech therapy such as picture exchange communication system, social stories and comic strip conversation.

Find the Right Developmental Paediatrician near me

Children develop at their own pace. So, if your child takes a slightly different course, then you need not worry. Some children skip some developmental milestones; however, if your child feels difficulties in everyday communication or has difficulties understanding what is said, then you need to find a developmental Paediatrician near you; it is always better to find the nearest Paediatrician. So, if you are confused about picking the right Paediatrician, then visit https://reflectwithin.in/.They have certified experts who have decades of experience in dealing directly with people suffering from DLD. Their training is evidence-based and practical to ensure you can apply what you have learned at different stages of life. You can directly book your session with the expert by calling +91 8928467288.

Let's Wrap It Up

Developmental language disorder is not caused by the medical condition or due to less exposure to the language. It is a communication and language disorder that can be easily diagnosed by the speech pathologist. If you are concerned about your child's developmental milestones, then visit Reflect Within. Our experts will help you distinguish whether your child is facing delays and how to address them.

Also Read: Bipolar Disorder: Hope and Healing Through Therapy

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