Developmental Language Disorders

The terminology used to describe difficulties with learning varies according to the country in which the diagnosis is made.

Dyslexia* is viewed as a reading impairment (DSM 5/ICD 10), a learning ‘difficulty’ (UK) or a specific learning disability (USA). The latest edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM 5) uses the terminology Specific Learning Disorder in Reading, Writing or Mathematics. These are the conditions that have also been referred to as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.

According to AUSPELD It is conservatively estimated that well over 20% of Australian children are currently struggling with learning difficulties and 3% to 5% of students are known to have a developmental learning disorder. Of those students identified with a learning disorder, four out of every five are assessed as having a reading disorder (or SLD with impairment in reading), commonly known as dyslexia*.

A learning disorder can co-exist with difficulties related to attention, working memory, developmental language disorder or other disabilities such as hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorders, dyspraxia or a traumatic brain injury.

A language disorder means difficulties with receptive language (understanding or comprehension of spoken language), expressive language (explaining or communicating and making yourself understood using spoken or oral language)or pragmatics (using language for social interactions). If there is no obvious cause of language disorder it will be called Developmental Language Disorder however if it is due to another condition or disability e.g. hearing loss, autism, brain injury it will just be referred to as a language disorder secondary to ….. (insert disability here).

Difficulties with language are known to co-exist with learning disorders. The presence of a language disorder can place a student at increased risk of difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, mathematics and learning across the curriculum. A language disorder is diagnosed by a Speech Pathologist who is also able to provide intervention for a Specific Learning Disorder.

A learning disorder will be specific to the learning of academic skills like reading, spelling, writing and mathematics. They are known as Specific Learning disorders in reading, writing or mathematics and may also be known as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Specific Learning Disorders in Reading, Writing and mathematics are typically diagnosed by registered Psychologists (typically Clinical Psychologists and Educational Psychologists) according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM 5).

• difficulty finding words to express ideas
• having trouble organising sentences, having conversations or telling a stories
• finding it hard to understand words, listen and follow instructions or answer questions
• difficulty remembering what someone has said
• difficulties in paying attention
• difficulties in reading and writing.

See more from Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service.