MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Expressive language disorder

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Expressive language disorder - developmental

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Alternative names

Language disorder - expressive

Definition Return to top

Developmental expressive language disorder is a disorder in which a child has lower-than-normal proficiency in vocabulary, the production of complex sentences, and recall of words.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Approximately 3 to 10% of all school-age children have expressive language disorder. The causes of this disorder may vary, or may be unknown. Cerebral damage and malnutrition may cause some cases -- perhaps in combination with genetic factors.

Symptoms Return to top

Below-average vocabulary skills
Improper use of tenses (past, present, future)
Problems in the production of complex sentences
Problems in recalling words

Signs and tests Return to top

Standardized expressive language and non-verbal intellectual tests should be conducted if an expressive language disorder is suspected. Testing for other learning disabilities may also be needed.

Treatment Return to top

Language therapy is the best method to remedy this type of disorder. The goal of this therapy is to increase the number of phrases a child can use. This is done by using block-building techniques and speech therapy.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the disorder. With reversible factors like vitamin deficiencies, there may be nearly full recovery.

Complications Return to top

Problems with socialization
Learning problems
Low self-esteem

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Parents who are concerned about a child's language development should have the child tested.

Prevention Return to top

Good nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood and prenatal care may help. Other methods of prevention are unknown.

Update Date: 5/11/2004

Updated by: Samuel Blackman, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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