Challenges in Diagnosing Child Language Disorders

Abstract

Diagnosing language disorders in children imposes constraints and a significant challenge. This challenge is imposed due to the intricate interplay of numerous factors or variables. These factors or variables include age, gender, cultural diversity, symptom variability, and trait variation. The aetiology causing the development disorder determines the trait manifestation. For instance, a developmental language disorder may be caused due to neurological factors and/ or environmental factors such as socio-economic factors, or stimulation-related factors. The disease manifestation can vary based on the cause. Demographic factors such as age also can influence the disease traits. The critical age is one of such factors which influence disease traits. The age of intervention sought is regarded as yet another factor. Additionally, the stigma surrounding language disorders may impede or stop parents from seeking intervention pertaining to communication disorders, leading to further delays in diagnosis and treatment. However, it is noteworthy that a significant impact of technology and advances in public education can neutralize the factors based on the age of intervention and its influence on disease manifestation. Bilingualism is yet another factor that can exert a potential influence on the disease trait. This review aims to collate challenges in diagnosing child language disorders and discusses the role of such factors in diagnosis. Understanding these factors can enable a better understanding of such factors and counteract their influences.