Developmental Language Disorder Overview

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Children with DLD typically have motor skill delays.

Both involve significant social communication deficits.

DLD is a language-only issue while ASD includes behavioral deficits. (correct)

DLD requires a diagnosis from a neurologist.

Which factor does NOT contribute to the diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

Significant delays in language development

Absence of other developmental disorders

A lack of exposure to language (correct)

Normal cognitive function

How does a language delay differ from a language disorder like DLD?

Language delay is permanent and unchanging.

Language delay always co-occurs with intellectual disabilities.

Language delay resolves itself without intervention. (correct)

Language delay typically presents in older children only.

What is a critical characteristic that differentiates DLD from hearing impairment?

DLD arises despite normal hearing abilities. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is a language difference distinct from a language disorder such as DLD?

Language difference reflects cultural or dialectical variations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge children with DLD may face?

Challenges with vocabulary and sentence structure. Signup and view all the answers

What does a diagnosis of DLD require in terms of cognitive function?

Normal cognitive function. Signup and view all the answers

When can a language delay be considered a language disorder?

When it persists beyond typical developmental ages. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cognitive Theory suggest about the origin of language disorders?

They are caused by deficits in cognitive processes like working memory. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Neurobiological Perspective differentiate from the Cognitive Theory in understanding language disorders?

It focuses on brain structures responsible for language processing. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'multi-factorial' indicate regarding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

Multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to DLD. Signup and view all the answers

Which prevention strategy aims to reduce the risk of developing DLD before it starts?

Universal language enrichment programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator that differentiates DLD from Late Language Emergence (LLE)?

Children with DLD have persistent social communication difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

Which language domain is typically most challenging for children with DLD according to the content provided?

Pragmatics/Discourse. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common morphological error for children with DLD?

Omitting plural 's' from words. Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical challenge with syntax for children diagnosed with DLD?

Difficulties forming complex sentences. Signup and view all the answers

How does DLD impact literacy development in children?

It can impair both decoding and language comprehension. Signup and view all the answers

In the Simple View of Reading, which component is NOT directly linked to DLD?

Visual perception. Signup and view all the answers

What role do twin studies play in understanding DLD?

They suggest a genetic component through similarities in identical twins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention for DLD?

Targeted speech therapy for diagnosed children. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language is often most affected in children with DLD according to the content?

Social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which gene variation has been linked to language disorders like DLD?

FOXP2. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

DLD, formerly SLI, is a language disorder affecting language acquisition despite normal cognitive, hearing, and social abilities.
Diagnosis occurs when significant language delays are present beyond those explained by other disorders (like autism, intellectual disabilities, or hearing loss).
DLD encompasses difficulties in vocabulary (semantics), sentence structure (syntax), word forms (morphology), and social communication (pragmatics).

Differentiating DLD from Other Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Both may involve language delays, but ASD also includes social communication and behavioral deficits not typical in DLD.
Intellectual Disability (ID): Children with ID have developmental delays across multiple areas, including language, whereas DLD involves specific language difficulties.
Hearing Impairment: Unlike DLD, hearing impairments cause language difficulties due to auditory input deficits.

Types of Language Differences/Disorders

Language Delay: Temporary, slow language development that often resolves as the child catches up with peers.
Language Difference: Language deviating from the norm due to cultural, linguistic, or dialectical differences.
Language Disorder (e.g., DLD): Persistent, long-term language difficulties beyond normal developmental patterns, not due to environment, hearing loss, or other medical conditions.

Theoretical Perspectives on DLD

Cognitive Theory: DLD stems from underlying cognitive impairments in working memory, attention, or processing speed.
Neurobiological Perspective: DLD arises from atypical brain structure or function in language-processing areas like Broca's area.

Multi-Factorial Nature of DLD

DLD results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences, not a single cause.
Evidence supports a genetic component, demonstrated in twin studies and identified gene variations (e.g., FOXP2).

Prevention of DLD

Primary Prevention: Intervening before the disorder occurs, targeting at-risk populations (e.g., language enrichment programs).
Secondary Prevention: Early identification and intervention after the disorder shows signs but before severe outcomes (e.g., screening toddlers for language delay).

Identifying DLD in Toddlers

Difficulties: Identifying DLD in toddlers, especially with Late Language Emergence (LLE) cases, presents challenges due to catch-up potential.
Distinguishing from LLE: Persistent delays over time (adjusting for age) and social communication difficulties are key indicators of DLD.

Language Deficits in School-Aged Children with DLD

Morphology: Difficulty with word forms (plurals, verb tenses, possessives).
Syntax: Challenges with sentence structure (word order, complex sentences).
Semantics: Reduced vocabulary, difficulty understanding words in context, abstract language issues.
Pragmatics/Discourse: Challenges in social communication, conversation turns, greetings, narratives.

Impact of DLD on Literacy Development

The Simple View of Reading: Reading comprehension depends on decoding and language comprehension.
Decoding: DLD impacts phonological awareness, affecting word recognition.
Language Comprehension: DLD affects the ability to understand complex written language, impacting understanding of text.

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Description

This quiz explores Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), previously known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI). It covers the characteristics, diagnosis, and how DLD differentiates from related conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities. Test your knowledge on this important topic in language development.