Developmental Language Disorder can also be defined as Specific Language Disorder in the literature. It is a speech disorder characterized by problems in 'learning or using language' that cannot be explained by other biomedical conditions. Children with autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, etc. It is a speech disorder seen in language skills, although it is not a developmental disorder such as Language development is delayed for no known reason. Language forms the basis of human communication. In order to communicate, we need to understand what is said or to convey what we want to say by putting it into a mold. It's called a language disorder. Recognizing the speech disorder experienced can be a more difficult process than it is thought.
What is the Cause of Developmental Language Disorder?
The cause of the Developmental Language Disorder is not yet known, but scientific studies have conducted a genetic history. shows that it is associated with Children with developmental language disorders are more likely to have parents and/or siblings who have language and speech difficulties and delays. Another well-known fact is that these children are often children with a history of 'talk-to-talk'. Contrary to popular belief, learning more than one language (bilingualism) does not cause developmental language disorders. Developmental Language Disorder can affect both multilingual children and children who speak only one language.
What is Observed in Speech in Developmental Language Disorder?
Children with Developmental Language Disorder have priority He starts speaking late. However, not every child who starts speaking late has a developmental language disorder. While children who speak late can catch up with their peers in a short time, the situation may be different in those with developmental language disorders. First of all, there are problems with understanding the language. Complex sentences can be difficult to understand. Acquiring vocabulary after starting to speak, grammar rules Problems are observed in learning and using the learned words and language rules appropriately.
For example, suffixes that are acquired almost correctly in Turkish may not be acquired at all or used incorrectly in children with developmental language disorders. For example; the child makes incomplete sentences such as "mom go home" "mom go to school". Errors in syntax can be observed. They prefer short sentences in speech. Phonological errors can be seen. Problems are observed in areas such as the pragmatic use of language, that is, where it is appropriate to say what and where, and appropriate word selection. At an older age, there are serious difficulties in understanding figurative meanings. The programming of speech may be broken. In developmental language disorder, language is both delayed and erroneous.
How is Developmental Language Disorder Diagnosed?
A parent and/or teacher must evaluate the child's language and language skills. If one suspects that his speech development is lagging behind his peers, referral to a Speech and Language therapist should be sought. Speech and language therapists are the only professional group members who can evaluate a child's language skills in detail. The type of assessment depends on the age of the child and the factors that led to the assessment. In general, in a speech therapy evaluation: The child is observed in a direct and natural environment. Evaluations are made for language and speech development and other general development areas. Language development is evaluated as a result of interviews with parents and/or teachers. Language and speech development age is determined by measuring current language skills with standardized tests. The learning ability of the child is evaluated. After the evaluation process, the language and speech therapist compares the language skills of the child with the language skills that should be at the same age.
How Does Developmental Language Disorder Therapy Work?
The treatment for Developmental Language Disorder is provided by a speech and language therapist. Early diagnosis and early intervention of children with Developmental Language Disorder is very important. No matter what age children start therapy, they can respond to intervention. Intervention will vary according to the child's age and needs.
Early intervention children; It is shaped towards the processes of expanding his vocabulary and using these words in the right contexts, acquiring the grammar rules that he cannot acquire, and gaining social communicative skills. The intervention for school-age children is; It consists of therapy steps aimed at following academic instructions, comprehending the meanings of the words used by the teacher, organizing information, and improving speaking, reading and writing skills.
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