Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  Three to five percent of all children have either receptive or expressive language disorder, or both. These children have difficulty understanding speech (language receptivity) and using language (language expression). The cause is unknown, but there may be genetic factors, and malnutrition may play a role.

  Problems with receptive language skills usually begin before the age of four. Some mixed language disorders are caused by brain injury, and these are sometimes misdiagnosed as developmental disorders.

• Symptoms
  • Problems with language comprehension
  • Problems with language expression
  • Speech contains many articulation errors
  • Difficulty recalling early sight or sound memories
• Signs and tests

  Standardized receptive and expressive language tests can be given to any child suspected of having this disorder. An audiogram should also be given to rule out the possibility of deafness, as it is one of the most common causes of language problems.

  All children diagnosed with this condition should be seen by a neurologist or developmental pediatric specialist to determine if the cause can be reversed.

• Treatment

  Speech and language therapy are the best approach to this type of language disorder. Psychotherapy is also recommended because of the possibility of associated emotional or behavioral problems.

• Expectations (prognosis)

  The outcome varies based on the underlying cause. Brain injury or other structural pathology is generally associated with a poor outcome with chronic deficiencies in language, while other, more reversible causes can be treated effectively.

• Complications

  Difficulty understanding and using language can cause problems with social interaction and ability to function independently as an adult.

• Calling your health care provider

  Parents who are concerned about their child's acquisition of language should have the child tested. Early intervention will provide the best possible outcome.

Review Date: 6/13/2006

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.