Language Disorder

LANGUAGE DISORDER

According to the DSM-V, language disorder can be diagnosed if there are problems with the

attainment of normal language skills or the comprehension of language. This can involve the

spoken word, written communication, or things like sign language. It is given the numerical

label of 315.39.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to assess a child’s language skills as they can be good at using

context to achieve the meaning of the spoken word. Even so, there are diagnostic criteria that

need to be met in order to qualify as having a language disorder. These include the following:

A. Having a consistent problem using language in its different forms (such as speaking,

writing, or sign language) due to a markedly reduced vocabulary, an inability to put words together to form grammatically-correct sentences, and/or impairments in the

ability to maintain conversational speech with others (which is referred to as

discourse).

B. The language capacity is markedly below what is expected at his or her age, which

hinders social participation, communication with others, and academic

performance.

C. The symptoms develop during early development.

D. The difficulties are not secondary to a sensory impairment, motor impairment, or

another medical condition, and cannot be attributed to an intellectual disorder or

global developmental delay.

It is necessary to assess both expressive and receptive language skills. Expressive delays involve

deficits in the production of speech or verbal signals (like sign language). Receptive delays

involve the inability to receive and comprehend speech. Both skill deficits can contribute to the

severity of the disorder. These deficits can be difficult to measure prior to the age of four but

become easier to measure by that age. It is likely to continue through adulthood although there

can be improvements over time. This problem often runs in families.