Current Concepts in the Understanding and Management of Developmental Language Disorder in Children

Abstract

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with significant language difficulties. It is one of the most common developmental disorders that interferes with acquiring, comprehending, and utilizing language and its impact persists into adulthood. DLD is suspected when a child experiences language development issues that last into and through school age. DLD is brought on by complex interactions between genes and the environment leading to changes in brain development. The exact causes of the brain differences that lead to DLD are not well understood. Treatment approaches for DLD can be given in private clinics, outpatient hospital settings, schools, and speech-language pathology programs at universities. Although early detection and treatment of DLD in youngsters is preferred, treatment is beneficial regardless of the disorder stage. This chapter will provide an overview of the current insights into the neuroanatomical abnormalities in the brain as well as the risk factors of DLD and the available treatment approaches.