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Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder

Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder is a language disability causing problems in both understanding and expressing language. The condition was formerly called developmental receptive language disorder. Today it is generally understood that receptive language deficits do not occur all by themselves but appear together with problems expressing language as well.

Three to five percent of all children have both receptive and expressive language disorder. The cause of this disorder is unknown, but problems with receptive skills begins before the age of four. Difficulty understanding and using language can cause problems with social interaction and make it difficult to function independently as an adult.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that indicate this condition, including problems in:
• language comprehension
• language expression
• articulation
• recalling early visual or auditory memories

Diagnosis

Parents who are concerned about their child’s acquisition of language should have the child tested, since early intervention offers the best possible outcome. Standardized receptive and expressive language tests can be given to any child suspected of having this disorder. An audiogram should also be given to rule out the possibility of deafness.

Treatment

Speech and language therapy are the best way to treat this type of language disorder. Psychotherapy is also recommended for children because of the possibility of emotional or behavioral problems.