Impairment in understanding and expression of language in oral or nonverbal context. The disorder can be in the form, content or usage of language. Language deficits may be due to variety of conditions such as poor language stimulation, hearing impairment, developmental (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD etc.), intellectual or genetic disorders (Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome etc.) and neurological impairment (Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, TBI, Dementia etc.) Few of the language disorders are mentioned below;
- Receptive language disorder : Deficits in the understanding of language. They have difficulty in following directions and organizing information they hear. They are often accompanied with expressive language disorder.
- Expressive language disorder : Deficits in using language to express thoughts and ideas although comprehension of language is age appropriate.
- Specific Language Impairment : Deficits in understanding and expressing language in the absence of hearing loss or any other developmental disorders.
- Social Communication Disorder : Difficulty in social understanding, social interaction and communicating in different social context.
- Auditory Processing Disorder : Deficits in processing and interpreting the language in the absence of hearing impairment.
- Literacy disorders : Difficulties in reading and writing. These children often have associated speech and language problem.
- Aphasia : It is a language disorder resulting from the damage to left hemisphere of the brain due to stroke. It causes difficulty in understanding and expressing language, reading and writing difficulties. It can be accompanied with Apraxia and/or dysarthria.