Receptive Language DisordersHouston, TX
Children with receptive language disorder have trouble understanding what is said to them. Often, this coincides with an expressive language disorder, since understanding language goes hand-in-hand with using language. Since language is a constant of everyday life, therapy for receptive language disorders can significantly reduce a child's sense of isolation.
Treatment for receptive language disorders is available at Small Talk Therapy Services in Houston. We understand that your child's well-being is your number one priority. Our therapist can help to customize the treatment for the patient's individual needs. Call us today at (713) 471-9086 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Receptive Language Disorder
Receptive language disorder is a condition that causes a child difficulty in understanding and processing words. Though they may be able to hear and read the words, they may not be able to connect the words to their overall meaning. As a result, children with receptive language disorders may seem disconnected during conversations and find it hard to follow directions — particularly spoken ones.
Usually, receptive language disorders start developing by the time a child is four years old or younger. However, they are commonly mistaken for autism or delayed learning, as many of the symptoms overlap. All such conditions can negatively affect the child's ability to communicate, learn, and play. Thus, it is crucial to have the child tested by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Receptive Language Disorder
Signs of receptive language disorder often go unnoticed until a child has reached the expected speaking age. One of the most common symptoms of receptive language disorder is an inability (or insufficient ability) to communicate orally. Additionally, children with receptive language disorders may lag noticeably behind their peers when it comes to vocabulary development and general conversational skills.
Learning new words can be hard for children with receptive language disorders, which makes them less talkative. They rarely contribute ideas or discuss feelings with others. Instead, they may use more general terms and filler language in place of more precise words. Conversely, they may overuse certain words and phrases. In other cases, they may use limited or nonsensical sentence structures despite being able to pronounce words and sounds.
Children with receptive language disorders may also have difficulty following simple directions. They may be able to understand stories read to them even if they cannot describe them in their own words. This inability to communicate may also cause great frustration to the affected child.
Causes of Receptive Language Disorder
The underlying causes of receptive language disorder cannot always be pinpointed. When this is the case, it may be considered a developmental language disorder. This happens to every 1 of every 20 children with a language disorder.
However, multiple factors may cause a child's receptive language disorder. For instance, some children may be more genetically susceptible to receptive language disorder than others (due to family medical history). Alternatively, a child's general developmental and cognitive abilities can lead to receptive language disorder. It is often, but not always, associated with developmental disorders like autism or Down syndrome. Other cases, still, may occur due to damage to the brain, neglect, or abuse.
Limited day-to-day exposure to language can also impede a child's receptive abilities. Accordingly, receptive language disorder can also be comorbid with hearing impairments, vision impairments, and attention disorders.
Diagnosing and Treating Receptive Language Disorder
Contact a specialist immediately if the child is exhibiting signs of receptive language disorder. Treatment is crucial in managing the symptoms and may help put the child back on track to reaching proper developmental milestones. A child that is three years old or younger may benefit from early intervention.
Many different types of assessments may help identify areas of difficulty. These assessments include hearing tests, language comprehension tests, close observation, vision tests, and psychological evaluations. In particular, a speech pathologist can help assess a child's language comprehension skills in comparison to their peers.
Once a diagnosis has been made, many treatment options are available. Depending on the case, the child may qualify for special education classes or integration support at school. Furthermore, our speech pathologist may be able to help the child with speech-language therapy (either one-on-one or as part of a group, depending on the child's specific needs). They may also provide the child and family with the information they need to encourage language growth. If needed, our team may also be able to provide the parents with a referral to a psychologist.
Call Us Today
It can be distressing to see your child appear disconnected and confused. We at Small Talk Therapy Services may be able to help. Call us today at (713) 471-9086 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is receptive language disorder a learning disability?
On its own, receptive language disorder is not a learning disability. However, if left untreated, it can negatively impact children's performance in school. Professional intervention can help children manage their symptoms and potentially get back on track to reach proper developmental milestones.
How can I help prevent receptive language disorder in my child?
It is hard to provide a definitive answer to this question since the exact cause of receptive language disorder is still largely unknown. Still, there are steps you can take to help encourage developmental growth. Talk and read with your child daily and take them in for regular check-ups. Prevent head injuries and refrain from drinking or using drugs while pregnant.
When should I take my child to see a speech therapist about receptive language disorder?
You should bring your child in if they are exhibiting any symptoms, as mentioned earlier. However, two red flags may be particularly useful: (1) if they are usually uninterested in people talking and (2) if they are constantly misinterpreting language (written or spoken).
How does receptive language disorder affect a child’s ability to express themselves?
Children must understand language before they can fully use it. As a result, expressive language disorder is a common comorbid condition. An inability to organize their own thoughts when trying to understand others makes it difficult for children with receptive language disorder to communicate with others.
Is my child at risk for developing receptive language disorder?
Again, without knowing the exact cause of your child's case, it is hard to say. However, children who were born prematurely or at a low birth weight seem to be at risk. Additionally, stroke, tumors, cerebral palsy, and poor nutrition are also potential factors.
Contact Us
Small Talk Therapy Services is located at
1710 S Dairy Ashford Rd Suite 203
Houston,
TX
77077
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