Blog Layout
Expressive Language Delays: Everything You Need to Know
Is your child having trouble expressing himself/herself using language? If yes, look no further. Your child may be experiencing expressive language delays. Below is everything you need to know.
Definition: Expressive Language Delays
Some children tend to take longer than others to reach typical language milestones during the first three years. When children take longer to convey information in speech, writing, gesture or sign language, these kinds of language delays are known as expressive language delays. Children who experience expressive language delays early in life but eventually catch up are commonly known as ''late-talkers''. Children who continue experiencing difficulties expressing themselves verbally may be diagnosed with expressive language disorder or other language impairments.
Common Signs/Symptoms of Expressive Language Delays
Children with expressive language delays have problems combining words to form correct phrases and sentences. For instance, children with expressive language delays may use an incorrect verb tense i.e. ''goed'' instead of ''I went'' or omit certain important grammatical words i.e. say ''I going'' instead of ''I am going''. In most cases, expressive language delays result in shorter phrases and sentences. Children with expressive language delays also tend to have a smaller/more basic vocabulary than normal i.e. below average for their age level.
In a nutshell, children with expressive language delays tend to experience difficulties putting phrases and sentences together to express their thoughts and ideas. They also tend to have problems recalling words as well as using language appropriately in different settings/with different people.
It’s worth noting that the symptoms of expressive language delays may differ from one child to another. The symptoms also tend to depend on a child’s age as well as the degree of impairment. The most common signs/symptoms include;
Summary of Signs/Symptoms Exhibited by Children With Expressive Language Delays
- Making simple grammatical errors i.e. leaving out words.
- Using noticeably fewer words/phrases/sentences compared to children of the same age.
- Using shorter/simpler sentence construction compared to children of the same age.
- Limited/more basic vocabulary compared to children of the same age.
- Trouble finding the correct words.
- Limited/more basic/non-specific vocabulary.
- Overreliance on limited content/standard phrases in speech.
- Confusing the meaning of words in sentences.
- Hesitant speech.
- Repeating a speaker’s words.
- Trouble making a point or simply, talking ''in circles''.
- Inability/problems holding a conversation.
- Difficulties with oral as well as written work.
What Causes Expressive Language Delays?
The causes of expressive language delays aren’t known for most children. Some children, however, experience language delays alone while they develop progressively as expected in other areas. Expressive language delays have also been associated with developmental difficulties/impairments such as autism, Down syndrome or hearing loss. It’s also worth noting that children who suffer from expressive language delays tend to have receptive language delays as well (problems understanding language).
Expressive language delays can be caused by acquired or developmental impairments. The delays can also be as a result of injury/trauma on the head or a medical condition. Research also suggests that expressive language delays have genetic causes. Malnutrition is also a probable cause.
Diagnosis of Expressive Language Delays
If your child has difficulties speaking and/or using language to express themselves i.e. they exhibit the above signs/symptoms, he/she may be suffering from expressive language delays. To be certain you are dealing with serious language delays as opposed to normal developmental delays, it’s important to take your child for assessment.
Speech-language pathologists are the best-suited professionals for diagnosing expressive language delays. During diagnosis, a hearing test is conducted. Specific assessments are also done to identify the specific areas of language a child experiences difficulties. Assessments are usually done with the best interests of the child at heart i.e. they are not stressful and parents are allowed to be present.
Besides hearing tests, speech-language pathologists may recommend auditory processing tests that focus on assessing learning difficulties. These kinds of tests assess cognitive functions like thinking and intelligence which are known to have an impact on a child’s language skills.
Treatment of Expressive Language Delays
Expressive language delays which persist longer than normal are usually treated depending on the severity of the impairment in question. Treatment may include;
- Individual or Group Sessions With a Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Special Education Assistance.
- School-Based Language Intervention Programs.
- Speech Pathology Sessions Alongside Home Programs.
Treatment is usually meant to deal with language learning problems as well as related problems like; low self-esteem and social problems. As a result, treatment may include therapy sessions meant to address related problems.
Related Posts
Social language skills refer to the verbal and nonverbal rules which dictate social interactions. Although some social language skills vary from one culture to another, there are many universal social skills used across all cultures on a daily basis.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Our Partners
Site Links
Creative Therapy Associates
Our team specializes in speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy for children, adults, and seniors. Our offices are in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but we travel to communities in Northwestern Ontario.
Terms | Privacy | Patient Bill of Rights (PDF)