Are you wondering whether your child suffers from ‘language disorders’? We'll explain how to identify them, their possible causes and how to remedy them.
Key points
- Language difficulties in children can include difficulties in articulating sounds, constructing sentences, and problems with comprehension, expression and language delays.
- The causes of language disorders are varied, including neurological, genetic, environmental and psychological factors, and often require a full medical and speech and language therapy diagnosis.
- Language disorders affect various aspects of children's daily lives, including social life, schooling and self-esteem, and require professional intervention, family support and educational adaptations.
What is a language disorder?
An oral language disorder occurs when children experience significant difficulties with language from the time they start school, and these difficulties may persist into adulthood. It is crucial to distinguish between language and speech in this context. Speech involves the pronunciation of words and the articulation of sounds, while language includes the construction of sentences and the correct pronunciation of sounds.
Language disorders can take many forms. For example, a
- A speech disorder is manifested by difficulties in articulating sounds, as is the case with stammering.
- Speech delay, on the other hand, means difficulty in constructing sentences and pronouncing sounds that have been heard.
- More severe still, dysphasia is a lasting and severe disorder of language development.
These distinctions are important because they help us to better understand the specific challenges a child may face and to choose the appropriate interventions.
Signs and symptoms of language disorders in children
The signs and symptoms of language disorders in children can vary, but some common indicators include
- limited vocabulary compared to their peers
- difficulty forming complete or coherent sentences
- problems pronouncing certain sounds or words.
These signs can often lead us to believe that the child is inattentive, when in fact it is a language disorder.
Comprehension difficulties
Children with language difficulties may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts or complex words. This means that words or ideas that seem simple to their peers may require many examples and repetitions for them to grasp.
What's more, these children may also have problems following multi-step instructions. Even simple verbal instructions can pose considerable challenges, as can understanding questions posed by adults.
Difficulties with expression
Children with language difficulties may have difficulty finding the right words to make themselves understood. They may often search for words during a conversation, which can make communication frustrating for them and for others.
In addition, these children may also have problems with grammar, such as incorrect use of verb tenses. Rémi, for example, struggles to answer simple questions and express himself clearly due to dysphasia and ‘dys’-related difficulties.
Language delay
Language delay often manifests itself as
- late acquisition of first words
- difficulty forming simple sentences even after the age of two
- by the age of one, the child may not produce sounds, respond to his or her name, or recognise familiar objects by name.
It is advisable to consult a speech therapist from the age of 1 and a half if the child does not understand simple instructions or does not say any words. At the age of 2, a consultation is necessary if the child produces only a few intelligible words or does not make word combinations.
Causes of language disorders
The causes of language disorders are varied and may include neurological, genetic and environmental factors. For example, primary language impairment, also known as dysphasia, is generally neurological in origin, severely affecting a child's ability to communicate. Genetic origins may also play a role, although no specific gene has yet been identified.
There are also environmental and psychological factors. For example, a psychological shock or trauma can block a child's language development. In addition, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and hyperactivity can contribute to language disorders. Finally, serious health problems such as epilepsy or cranial trauma can also be at the root of these developmental disorders.
Diagnosis of language disorders
The process of diagnosing language disorders, including oral language disorders, often begins with a medical check-up to rule out other potential causes such as sensory deficits or neurological pathologies. The identification of a specific oral language disorder in children aged 3 to 6 generally includes questionnaires for teachers and parents, as well as batteries of tests.
A speech and language therapy assessment is often prescribed, depending on the severity, specificity and persistence of the language delay. This assessment evaluates the expressive, receptive and pragmatic aspects of the child's language, making it possible to determine the type and severity of the disorder. In the case of serious disorders, a multidisciplinary medical assessment may be necessary.
Impact of language disorders on daily life
Language disorders can affect various aspects of a child's daily life, particularly in terms of school progress, behaviour and social interaction. The impact of these disorders often depends on the child's resources and ability to adapt.
Social life
Children with language disorders often have difficulty carrying on conversations, which can have an impact on their social relationships. They may feel frustrated by their inability to communicate effectively, which can isolate them socially.
To help these children integrate better, more support is often needed. Strategies such as role-playing and supervised group activities can help them develop their communication and social skills.
School and learning
Language difficulties can make reading and writing particularly difficult for children. These difficulties can have a negative impact on children's discourse skills, such as understanding and producing stories.
As a result, children with language difficulties may have difficulty understanding lessons and keeping up with the pace of school, which may affect their academic success and be linked to an intellectual disability related to LDD.
Self-esteem
Difficult situations in many areas of life can affect the self-esteem of a person with a language disorder. The child's perception of language challenges is often influenced by family support, which can play a crucial role in improving self-esteem.
Peer rejection due to language difficulties can also reduce a child's self-confidence. Strong emotional and social support is therefore essential to help these children feel valued and capable.
Strategies and interventions to help children with language difficulties
There are a number of strategies and interventions to help children with language difficulties. Re-education by speech and language therapists and, where appropriate, remedial education are recommended.
Visual strategies, such as communication charts, can also be very useful.
Professional therapies and interventions
Speech therapists can offer individual or group sessions to help children with language disorders. These sessions may include specific exercises to improve pronunciation and verbal comprehension.
Home exercises may also be recommended to reinforce language skills. In addition, behaviour therapy can be used to reinforce children's communication skills.
Family support
Family support is crucial for children with language disorders. Speech and language therapists offer intervention strategies for parents to better support their child.
Parents can help by talking regularly with their child, telling stories and playing with sounds. Encouraging children to tell stories can also stimulate their verbal expression skills.
Educational adaptations
Educational adaptations are essential to help children with language disorders succeed at school. Intervention plans can be put in place to meet their specific needs. Using pictograms or visual aids can make it easier to understand school instructions.
Teachers can also :
- Read instructions aloud, pausing between each sentence to help the child grasp the instructions better.
- Rephrasing instructions using simple vocabulary is an effective method of clarifying expectations.
- Dividing tasks into clear, prioritised steps can make it easier for children to organise their homework.
When should a professional be consulted?
It's important to consult a professional as soon as you have any concerns about your child's language. Whether these concerns come from parents, teachers or health professionals, they should be taken into account and lead to an individual assessment.
It is never too early to consult a speech and language therapist. It is important to seek help as soon as possible to support children's speech development. It is important to seek advice as soon as possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It's never too early to take care of your health. Early intervention can make a big difference to your child's language development.
Resources and references
To find out more about language disorders and get help, a number of resources are available. The Solidarité Santé website offers documents on learning disorders for trainers, doctors, teachers and parents. The Maison du Langage also offers resource pages on its site to inform parents and professionals.
A recommended book is ‘Au-delà des mots, le trouble du langage chez l'enfant’ written by Isabelle Meilleur, Annick Proulx, Tamara Bachelet, and Annik Arsenault, and published by Hôpital Sainte-Justine. These resources can provide valuable information and practical advice for supporting children with language disorders.
In a nutshell
Language disorders in children are complex and can have a significant impact on their daily lives, schooling and self-esteem. It is crucial to recognise the signs and symptoms, understand the potential causes, and know when and how to intervene. With the right strategies and interventions, it is possible to help these children overcome their challenges and flourish.
Ultimately, the support of families, educators and health professionals is essential to give these children the best chance of success. Together, we can make a positive difference to their lives.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common signs of a language disorder in children?
Common signs of a language disorder in children include a limited vocabulary, difficulty forming complete sentences and problems pronouncing words.
When should my child see a professional?
You should consult a professional as soon as you have concerns about your child's language. It is never too early to consult a speech therapist.
What causes language disorders?
Language disorders can be caused by neurological, genetic or environmental factors, or by psychological trauma.
How do language disorders affect my child's schooling?
Language disorders can affect your child's schooling by causing difficulties with reading, writing and following lessons in class. It is important to seek appropriate support to help your child overcome these challenges.
What resources are available for parents?
Parents can find online resources, such as the Solidarité Santé website, as well as specialist books, such as ‘Au-delà des mots, le trouble du langage chez l'enfant’.
