Language Disorders in Children CSD 101 Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders

Language Impairment in Childhood Can occur at any time within the lifespan May vary in symptoms, manifestations, and severity over the course of time. Can be developmental or acquired Deficits may exist in one or more means of communication (can affect listening, speech, reading, writing, receptive or expressive). One or more areas of language can be affected (form, content, use). The discussion that follows is an overview. We will briefly look at typical language development, followed by major disorders associated with language impairment.

Language Development - InfancyInfancy Pre-Language Reciprocal interactions (can be enhanced by exaggerated facial expressions, changes in intonation) 2 weeks, Eye gaze, vocalizations 3 to 4 months, rituals and game playing (feeding, diaper changing, peek a boo) 3 to 4 months 8 to 9 months, intentionality 8 to 9 months 12 months, first meaningful words emerge More detail P106 Table 5.1

Language Development-Infancy

Language Development - Toddlers By 18 months, 50 word vocabulary and two word combinations. By 18 months By 2, expressive vocabulary of words By 2 “Lexicon” – the child’s personal “dictionary” that reflects his/her environment.

Language Development - Preschool Expansion of language with caregivers Improvement of conversational skills, including recounting of stories Vocabulary is words by age 3 & 4 Increase of mean length of utterance, MLU (average of morphemes used in an utterance).

Language Development – School Age & Adolescents Development of reading and writing Allows for the development of metalinguistic skills (ability to consider language in the abstract) More complex in terms of form, content and use Figurative language use develops, such as use of idioms.

Language Development - Adult Language growth continues throughout the lifespan but at a much slower rate. Vocabulary continues to increase Specialized vocabulary related to work, environment, social circumstances, etc develop.

Disorders that Affect Language Mental/Intellectual Disability Learning Disabilities Specific Language Impairment Autism Spectrum Disorders/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Brain Injury Neglect and Abuse Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Drug Exposure Other

Disorders that Affect Language Mental/Intellectual Disability Formerly Mental Retardation Consists of: Substantial limitations in intellectual functioning Significant limitations in adaptive behavior Originates before age 18 Severity/Causes Lifespan Issues Language Characteristics Comprehension Shorter Productions Deviate from typical development

Disorders that Affect Language Learning Disabilities Significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of language Learning-language Disability (LLD) Primary difficulty with learning and using symbols Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Underlying neurological impairment in executive function that regulates behavior, causing implusiveness Dyslexia Comprehending or producing written symbols Lifespan issues Language characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Specific Language Impairment Typical nonverbal intelligence but exhibit deficits in a variety of nonverbal tasks, suggesting impaired or delayed cognitive functioning Lifespan Issues Language Characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Autism Spectrum Disorders/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Impairment in reciprocal social interaction with a severely limited behavior, interest, and activity repertoire that has its onset before 30 months of age. Hyperlexia Semantic-pragmatic disorder Asperger’s syndrome Lifespan Issues Language Characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Brain Injury Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Diffuse brain damage as a result of external forces Lifespan Issues Language Characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Neglect and Abuse Child-mother attachment is more significant in language development than maltreatment Lifespan Issues Language Characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Drug Exposure Exposure to alcohol during embryonic development, resulting in low birth weight, CNS dysfunction, growth deficiency, and dysmophic features Lifespan Issues Language characteristics

Disorders that Affect Language Other AKA Nonspecific Language Impairment late talkers, childhood schizophrenia, selective mutism, otitis media, and children who have received cochlear implants General delay in development

Assessment- Child Referral and Screening Case History and Interview Observation Testing Sampling

Intervention- Child Target Selection and Sequence of Training Evidence-based Intervention Principles Intervention Procedures Intervention Through the Lifespan