What is dysphasia (developmental language disorder)?

Developmental language disorder (DLD), formely known as dysphasia, is a neurological issue that affects the form, content and use of a child’s language.

DLD manifests differently in each child, and its progression is unpredictable. For example, a child may have trouble learning new words, producing certain sounds, structuring sentences or understanding the meaning of certain words.

To receive this diagnosis, the child must not have another disorder that may cause their language issues, such as autism or an intellectual disability.

Signs

DLD can take on numerous, diverse forms. It may affect language comprehension and expression. Symptoms include:

• Trouble understanding vocabulary, especially abstract concepts
• Trouble understanding longer sentences
• Limited vocabulary
• Trouble using “little words” in sentences (articles, linking words)
• Trouble pronouncing sounds
• Trouble forming ideas

Causes

DLD is a neurological issue that is present at birth. Its roots are complex and there are many factors involved. Research tends to show that a genetic component is partially responsible for language disorders.

Recommendations

A speech-language pathologist cannot diagnose DLD before age 4 or 5. Before then, it is impossible to distinguish between DLD and language delays that can be corrected with adequate stimulation.

It is best to consult a speech-language pathologist if you notice that your child has trouble with the words or structure in a sentence, if they use few words to express themselves or they show little desire to communicate.

A full speech-language assessment can detect language difficulties and help develop a personalized treatment plan. Next, specialized speech-language therapy can encourage the development of language skills and give the child the tools they need.

This therapy primarily aims to enrich vocabulary, develop full and complex sentence structures, improve pronunciation and encourage the use of new language functions.