Expressive language disorders affect a wide range of children. Research from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders found that two to three out of every 1,000 children born throughout America enter this world with some level of hearing loss. Considering that, certain children born with hearing loss might experience what is known as an expressive language disorder. However, this situation can also happen later in life to children without hearing problems. As a parent, it makes sense to wonder whether or not your child is living with this condition. Here are three signs your toddler might be dealing with an expressive language disorder.

  • No Interaction with Others

    At certain times, it’s understandable for your child to avoid interacting with other people. If this happens constantly, it could be a warning sign that your child has an expressive language disorder. In some cases, your child could be acting this way because they’re having trouble understanding what others are saying. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend early action for kids suffering from hearing disorders. Considering that, it’s wise to have your child complete a hearing screening early in life.
  • Your Toddler Has a Limited Vocabulary

    It’s rare for a toddler to have an extensive vocabulary. However, most toddlers are able to speak more than a few words in a clear manner. If your toddler uses no or few words while communicating, it might be a sign of a speech disorder.
  • You Can’t Understand What Your Child Says

    Another reason to consider seeking out speech therapy for children is if you’re unable to understand what your child says. Not all parents will understand every world their toddlers say, especially if young ones are trying to learn new words. However, it should reasonably easy for parents to understand most words their toddlers are saying.

In closing, it’s important to recognize the signs of expressive language disorders. Speech and language disorders affect a wide variety of children. If you want your child to receive help for this condition, consider taking them to a speech pathologist. Research obtained in 2016 from the Labor of Bureau Statistics found that there were about 145,000 speech language pathologists working throughout the United States. Therefore, you should be able to find a speech language pathologist who understands the potential problems your child is dealing with.