If your child has trouble with spoken language, it can be hard to figure out why.

Thats because there are different kinds of language issues that impact different
skills. Three of them directly affect how kids use language to express themselves.
They are expressive language disorder, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
and social (pragmatic) communication disorder.

But other conditions can also make it hard for kids to communicate. Learn more
about what causes trouble with spoken language, and how you can help.
What You Might Be Seeing

Trouble with spoken language isnt the same as speech issues. Kids with language
disorders may have no problem pronouncing words, but can struggle to put together
logical sentences. Here are common signs of trouble with spoken language:

Has a limited vocabulary compared to children the same age

Substitutes general words like stuff and things for more precise words
Has trouble learning new vocabulary words
Leaves out key words when talking.
Uses certain phrases over and over again when talking
Doesnt talk much, although he understands what other people say
Uses short, simple sentences or speaks in phrases
Uses a limited variety of sentence structures when speaking
Has little interest in social interactions
Goes off-topic or monopolizes conversations
Doesnt change his language for different listeners or situations
Has trouble understanding things that are implied and not stated directly
Doesnt understand how to properly greet people or gain attention
Doesnt understand riddles and sarcasm

What Causes Trouble With Spoken Language

While there are two main conditions that make it hard for kids to express
themselves verbally, other issues can create problems with conversation. And kids
can have more than one. Here are the most common causes of trouble with spoken
language:

Expressive language disorder: This condition, also known as developmental

expressive aphasia, makes it hard to put thoughts and feelings into words. Kids who
have it are often late to talk and dont catch up on their own. Kids with
expressive language disorder often have a limited vocabulary. They may leave out
key words from sentences and mix up tenses. Theyre also at risk for other learning
and attention issues, including dyslexia, ADHD and auditory processing disorder. It
can be difficult to figure out which conditions cause which symptoms, since
symptoms might overlap; ADHD and auditory processing disorder, for instance, may
cause expressive language difficulties.
Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder: Children with mixed receptive-
expressive language disorder may show some of the symptoms of expressive language
disorder, as well as difficulty with understanding what others say (receptive
language). They may have trouble putting their thoughts into words. They often have
difficulty understanding verbal directions or longer sentences. They may have
trouble understanding basic vocabulary and may not understand stories that are read
to them. Theyre at risk for reading comprehension difficulties, too.
Social communication disorder (SCD): This is a newly defined condition that has
gone by other names in the past. They include pragmatic language impairment and
semantic pragmatic disorder. SCD makes it hard for kids to make appropriate
conversation. They may interrupt often and speak too much or too little. They may
also say things that seem rude because they have trouble understanding the rules of
social interaction. And they are at risk for ADHD and reading comprehension issues.
Auditory processing disorder (APD): This condition mainly affects how kids take
in spoken language rather than how they use it. But it still impacts conversation.
Kids with APD have trouble recognizing the different sounds in words. They may
frequently ask speakers to repeat themselves. They also may not speak clearly,
dropping word endings and certain syllables. Kids with this disorder are at risk
for reading issues, including dyslexia.

How You Can Get Answers

Knowing why your child has trouble with spoken language is the key to finding the
best help. It may take time, but the following steps can help you get to the bottom
of whats causing your childs challenges.

Talk to your childs teacher. You know what you see at home. But the teacher
can tell you how your childs issues with spoken language are affecting his
learning and socializing. That information will be helpful if you talk to doctors
or specialists about your concerns. The teacher may also be willing to try informal
strategies to help your child in the classroom.
Look into an educational evaluation. You or your childs teacher can request
that the school evaluate your child for learning and attention issues. If the
school agrees to test your child, you wont have to pay for it. Depending on the
results, your child may be eligible for services and supports. The school will
commit to providing that help in writing, through a 504 plan or IEP.
Talk to your childs doctor.This is a great place to start figuring out whats
behind your childs issues. The doctor may be able to rule out a medical reason,
such as a hearing problem. You may also be referred to a specialist for further
evaluation.
Consult with specialists. The person who can evaluate your child for trouble
with language is a speech-language pathologist (also called a speech therapist). If
you see the specialist outside of school, you will have to pay for it. But you may
be able to get a free or low-cost evaluation at a local university that trains
pathologists. If your child is under age 3, you also can contact your states early
intervention system and request an evaluation free of charge. No referral is
needed.

What You Can Do Now

You dont need a diagnosis to start helping your child and find sources of support
for both of you. Here are things you can do right away:

Learn as much as you can. Understanding your childs trouble with spoken
language can help you find the best ways to help, both at home and at school. It
can also help you be more patient and supportive when your child is having a hard
time communicating.
Observe and take notes. By observing your child, you may see patterns in his
behavior and his trouble with language. Once you know the triggers, its easier to
find strategies that will help.
See it through your childs eyes. Unless you also have trouble with spoken
language, its hard to imagine what your child is going through. Take a moment to
see what it looks and feels like from your childs point of view. Share this with
other family members as well.
Talk and listen. Keep talking even if its hard for your child to make
conversation. The topic doesnt matter. Describe what youre seeing out the car
window or tell about something that happened at work. Give your child plenty of
opportunity to respond, and pay attention to what he says.
Team up at home. Try to involve your child in everyday tasks, and talk him
through the instructions. If youre going to bake cookies together, for instance,
have your child help. Tell him what ingredients are needed and discuss what he
needs to do, step by step. Then have your child instruct another family member on
how he did it.
Try different strategies. There are things you can do at home to help your
child build language skills. You may also want check out Parenting Coach. Get
suggestions for helping your child with things like poor self-esteem and anxiety
problems.
Connect with other parents. One source of support is other parents who know
what youre going through and can share tips and information. Understood.org can
help you find parents whose kids also struggle with spoken language.
The issues that cause trouble with spoken language dont go away over time. But
you can help your child improve his language skills and work on key social skills.
Just knowing you understand and support him can be a big confidence-booster.

Key Takeaways

There are effective treatments for speech and language disorders.

There are resources available to get free or low-cost therapy for your child.
You can help your child build communication skills.