1.4.2 - Describe the main features of developmental language disorders

Question 1

DSM-5 Criteria for Language disorder (a-d)

Answer 1

A. Persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of language across modalities (i.e., spoken, written, sign language, or other) due to deficits in comprehension or produc­ tion that include the following:

1. Reduced vocabulary (word knowledge and use).
2. Limited sentence structure (ability to put words and word endings together to form sentences based on the rules of grammar and morphology).
3. Impairments in discourse (ability to use vocabulary and connect sentences to ex­plain or describe a topic or series of events or have a conversation).

B.Languageabilitiesaresubstantiallyandquantifiablybelowthoseexpectedforage,re­ sulting in functional limitations in effective communication, social participation, aca­demic achievement, or occupational performance, individually or in any combination.

C. Onset of symptoms is in the early developmental period.

D. The difficulties are not attributable to hearing or other sensory impairment, motor dys­
function, or another medical or neurological condition and are not better explained by in­ tellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay.

Question 2

Etiology

Answer 2

neurobiological and congenital

Question 3

How many areas of language must there be a deficit?

Answer 3

ALL

Phonology
Grammar
Pragmatics
Semantics

Question 4

what are some of the hall marks of a language disorder

Answer 4

slower development than peers
problems understanding language
grammar immature and simple
not using sounds of language efficiently
speaking in short utterances or not in full sentences

Question 5

what will infant, preschool and primary school kids with a language disorder look like?

Answer 5

infancy
delayed milestones (production of words, combos of words, full sentences)

preschool
parents may find difficulties with speech when comparing to peers, grammar is immature, others can’t comprehend what the child is saying

early primary
language difficulties (short utterances, few full sentences, word-finding, inattentiveness, school refusal, frustration, somatic symptoms)