As Fort Myers speech therapists, we frequently work with parents who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development. If you’re noticing that your child is struggling to communicate or understand language compared to their peers, you may be wondering whether they have one of the developmental language disorders. Maybe they’ve even been diagnosed with one, and you’re unsure where to go from here.

Our knowledgeable, dedicated team at FOCUS Therapy is committed to helping parents fully understand developmental language disorders, how they often affect kids and what can be done to support them in their journey toward functional communication.

What are Developmental Language Disorders?

Developmental Language Disorders are conditions that involve significant difficulties with understanding and/or using language. Language delays and other language disorders are among the most common types of developmental disorders, affecting around 7% of children in the U.S. Unlike some other language difficulties, developmental language disorders aren’t caused by hearing problems, intellectual disabilities, or other neurological conditions. These are standalone issues that impact how a child learns and uses language – though they can occur simultaneously with other speech/language difficulties.

Children with a developmental language disorder might struggle with:

• Understanding what others are saying.
• Using the right words to express themselves.
• Forming proper sentences.
• Learning new vocabulary.
• Following instructions.
• Telling stories in a clear and organized way.

Signs of Developmental Language Disorders

As a parent, it can be challenging to know what to look for when it comes to identifying language delays. Kids develop at different rates, so one child’s progress may not match another’s. However, there are some common signs of developmental language disorder:

• Delayed first words: Most children say their first word around 12 months. If your child isn’t saying any words by 18 months, it could be a sign of a language delay.
• Limited vocabulary: If by age 2 your child has fewer than 50 words or is not combining words into simple phrases like “want juice” or “more milk,” it may be time to consult a speech therapist.
• Difficulty understanding instructions: Children with developmental language disorders often struggle to follow simple directions like “Put the toy on the table” or “Come here.”
• Challenges with sentence formation: After age 3, most children are able to form short sentences. If your child’s sentences are noticeably shorter or less grammatically correct than those of their peers, it could be a sign of a language disorder.
• Difficulty with storytelling or conversations: Children with developmental language difficulties may have trouble organizing their thoughts when trying to tell a story or have a conversation. They may leave out important details or struggle to sequence events properly.

How Does This Condition Affect Children?

Developmental Language Disorders can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life. Language is central to how we communicate, learn, and socialize. Kids with a language disorder may struggle academically, particularly in areas like reading and writing. Socially, they might find it harder to make friends or participate in group activities, as they may have trouble understanding others or expressing their thoughts.

Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that children with these conditions are often bright and capable. With the right support, they can overcome many of these difficulties and learn to communicate effectively.

How Can a Fort Myers Speech Therapist Help?

If you suspect your child may have a language delay or disorder, the first step is to seek an evaluation from a skilled speech-language pathologist (SLP). Through a combination of standardized tests, observation, and parent interviews, we can assess your child’s language abilities and determine if a language disorder is present.

Once a diagnosis is made, we create a tailored treatment plan. Therapy often focuses on:

• Building vocabulary: We work on teaching your child new words and how to use them appropriately.
• Improving sentence structure: Therapy will help your child form grammatically correct sentences and improve their ability to express ideas clearly.
• Enhancing comprehension: We help children understand what others are saying, which is crucial for following directions and participating in conversations.
• Social communication skills: Therapy often involves role-playing or structured conversations to help children learn how to interact with others.

What Parents Can Do at Home

Parents play a crucial role in supporting language development. Simple strategies like talking to your child throughout the day, reading books together, and asking open-ended questions can make a big difference. The more you engage your child in language-rich activities, the more opportunities they have to practice and improve their skills.

We understand a diagnosis – or even the prospect of a diagnosis – can be overwhelming for both children and parents. But the good news is that with early intervention and consistent support, kids with language delays and disorders can make significant progress.

If you have concerns about your child’s language development, trust your instincts and seek the guidance of a speech-language pathologist. With the right help, your child can build the communication skills they need to succeed.

FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

Developmental Language Disorder, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

More Blog Entries:

Types of AAC Our Fort Myers Speech Therapists Utilize, June 30, 2024, Fort Myers Speech Therapy Blog