Three Types of Language Disorders

The three main types of language disorders are expressive, receptive, and mixed receptive-expressive. Expressive language disorder involves difficulty getting messages across, receptive involves trouble understanding what others are saying, and mixed affects both using and understanding language. 

With Expressive Language Disorder (ELD), individuals struggle to express their own thoughts, feelings, and needs. This can manifest as difficulty forming sentences, finding the right words, or conveying ideas clearly. ELD is a developmental condition that affects a person’s ability to use spoken and written language to communicate. 

Symptoms of ELD include difficulty with vocabulary, grammar, and forming sentences, which can continue into adulthood. Sufferers may have trouble naming objects or must use filler words like “um” frequently. While ELD is not the same as autism, children with autism may also experience language difficulties. ELD is often a developmental disorder that appears in early childhood. Adults can also develop language disorders, such as acquired language disorders, after a brain injury. 

There are many treatments and support available for people dealing with ELD. Speech and language therapy is the most common and effective treatment for ELD. Therapists may recommend activities like reading aloud, providing commentary throughout the day, modeling correct language, and introducing new phrases. Incorporating music and creating fun activities can also help improve language skills. 

With Receptive Language Disorder (RLD), individuals have trouble understanding the language of others. RLD presents as trouble following directions, answering questions, or comprehending what others are saying. Individuals may appear to tune out, ask for repetition, or give “off” answers, and the condition is not something that a child typically “outgrows.” Signs of receptive language disorder include inadvertently tuning people out when they speak, interrupting or talking over others, and misunderstanding jokes or sarcasm. 

Here are some ways to help: 

  • Get the individual’s attention before speaking and make eye contact.
  • Use short, simple sentences and clear, direct instructions.
  • Eliminate distractions when possible.
  • Confirm understanding and ask them to repeat instructions back to you.
  • Be positive and compassionate when communicating.
  • Read and talk together regularly to help build vocabulary.
  • Encourage asking and answering questions. 

It’s important to know that it’s not a delay, it’s a disorder. Receptive language disorder is a different and more persistent issue than a language delay, which a child may outgrow. A disorder requires support to manage. It’s about comprehension, not hearing. The difficulty is not with hearing, but with processing and understanding the meaning of the language heard.

With Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder (MRELD), individuals experience both types of disorders at the same time. They struggle with both understanding what others are saying and with expressing their own thoughts. Symptoms include trouble comprehending instructions, a limited vocabulary, and challenges with sentence structure. 

The exact cause is unknown, but it is often linked to developmental issues and can also be a result of factors like stroke or head injury. Diagnosis is made through standardized tests that assess both receptive and expressive language abilities. Causes include developmental issues, though the specific developmental factors are not always clear. MRELD can also be caused by neurological events like seizures, strokes, or traumatic brain injuries.

Diagnosis and treatment methods include a professional diagnosis made by standardized tests that measure both receptive and expressive language skills. Treatment typically involves working with a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) as soon as possible after diagnosis.

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