Expressive Language Disorder

Information taken from Cincinnati Children’s  

WHAT IS AN EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE DISORDER?

An expressive language disorder is the inability to communicate using spoken language, gestures, and written form.  Difficulty expressing oneself is an expressive language disorder.  These types of difficulties are common in children.  An expressive language disorder may also occur in conjunction with a receptive language disorder. 

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE DISORDER?

Children with an expressive language disorder may have difficulties with any of the following:

• Word retrieval
• Grammar
• Pronouns
• Verbs
• Concepts
• Expressing wants and needs
• Vocabulary

Younger children with expressive language difficulties may not use phrases or word combinations when communicating.  Furthermore, children often use gestures to communicate instead of verbalizations because they do not have the vocabulary to communicate. 

WHAT CAUSES AN EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE DISORDER?

The cause of an expressive language disorder is often unknown; however some known causes include the following:

• Hearing loss
• Cognitive disability
• Brain damage
• Autism
• Emotional disturbance
• Poor environment

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD AT HOME?

Here are some tips that may help you at home:

• Listen to music and sing songs
• Model language for your child
• Use sign language
• Use simple language

OUR APPROACH AT KEY THERAPIES:

We will develop an individualized treatment plan for each child based off of his / her current needs.  We will work on improving expressive language skills by utilizing techniques and strategies that will be taught to caregivers so that follow-through can be completed at home.