Learn About Developmental Expressive Language Disorder
Developmental expressive language disorder is a condition in which a child has lower than normal ability in vocabulary, saying complex sentences, and remembering words. However, a child with this disorder may have the normal language skills needed to understand verbal or written communication.
Language disorder - expressive; Specific language impairment
Developmental expressive language disorder is common in school-age children.
The causes are not well understood. Damage to the cerebrum of the brain and malnutrition may cause some cases. Genetic factors may also be involved.
Children with an expressive language disorder have a hard time getting their meaning or message across to others.
Symptoms of this disorder may include any of the following:
- Below-average vocabulary skills
- Improper use of tenses (past, present, future)
- Problems making complex sentences
- Problems remembering words
Language therapy is the best method to treat this type of disorder. The goal is to increase the number of phrases a child can use. This is done by using block-building techniques and speech therapy.
Melissa Wake practices in Parkville, Australia. Ms. Wake and is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Developmental Expressive Language Disorder. Her top areas of expertise are Developmental Expressive Language Disorder, Infant Hearing Loss, Obesity in Children, and Obesity.
George Heffner is an Internal Medicine provider in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Dr. Heffner and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Developmental Expressive Language Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Decorticate Posture, Decerebrate Posture, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Pacemaker Implantation, and Hip Replacement.
University Of Vermont Medical Center Inc
Gregory Holmes is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Pediatrics provider in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Holmes and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Developmental Expressive Language Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Epilepsy, Memory Loss, and Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure. Dr. Holmes is currently accepting new patients.
How much the child recovers depends on the severity of the disorder. With reversible factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, there may be nearly full recovery.
Children who do not have any other developmental or motor coordination problems have the best outlook (prognosis). Often, such children have a family history of delays in language milestones, but eventually catch up.
This disorder may lead to:
- Learning problems
- Low self-esteem
- Social problems
If you are concerned about your child's language development, have them tested.
Good nutrition during pregnancy, and early childhood and prenatal care may help.
Published Date: April 17, 2024
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bang JY, Feldman HM. Language development and communication disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 53.
Trauner DA, Nass RD. Developmental language disorders. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, et al, eds. Swaiman's Pediatric Neurology: Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 53.