Despite its prevalence, LPD is often misunderstood or overlooked. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or someone with LPD, this post will provide valuable insights into this often-misunderstood disorder and help you better understand and support those with LPD.
Definition of Language Processing Disorder
Language Processing Disorder (LPD) is a type of learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to understand, express, and process language, even though they may have normal intelligence and no hearing or speech problems. People with LPD have difficulty in understanding and using spoken and written language, which can make communication and learning challenging.
LPD can affect various aspects of language, such as grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and semantics. The severity and type of LPD can vary widely from person to person, but early identification and appropriate treatment can help individuals with LPD to overcome their challenges and improve their language skills.
Language Processing Disorder is primarily concerned with how the brain processes spoken or written language, rather than the physical ability to hear or speak. People with LPD struggle to comprehend the meaning of words, sentences, and narratives because they find it challenging to process the information they receive. This can make listening difficult and can sometimes feel like listening through water, as it requires significant effort and can result in an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of the message.
For example, a person with LPD may have trouble understanding a joke or a sarcastic comment. This can make things very frustrating for the individual especially when they find themselves unable to convey their thoughts and ideas to others.
VIDEO: Understanding Language Processing Disorders
Prevalence of Language Processing Disorder and LPD Facts
Experts believe that about 5% of American children suffer from some kind of language disorder. In fact, over a million children, today receive special assistance for such disorders. It is important for parents to know how to identify if their child has this disorder so that they can get him/ her help in time.
A language processing disorder (LPD) is not the same as an auditory processing disorder (APD). In an LPD, language disorders in children will have trouble understanding the words they hear, while children with Auditory Processing Disorder have trouble hearing and interpreting the message (source).
What Are The Causes of Language Processing Disorder
The causes of Language Processing Disorder (LPD) are not yet fully understood, but research has identified several factors that may contribute to its development.
Some individuals are born with LPDs, while others may develop them throughout their lifetime. (Source: Study.com)
One of the most significant risk factors for LPD is genetic factors. Studies have shown that LPD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of LPD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
Brain injury or damage is another potential cause of LPD. Traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other types of brain damage can affect the areas of the brain responsible for language processing, resulting in LPD. Similarly, environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, infections, or complications during pregnancy and childbirth can also contribute to LPD.
Comorbidities, or the presence of other medical or developmental conditions, are also associated with LPD. For example, individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or dyslexia are more likely to have LPD. These conditions can affect the brain’s ability to process language, making it difficult for individuals to understand and use language effectively.
It is worth noting that LPD can occur in individuals with no identifiable risk factors or medical conditions. In some cases, it may simply be a developmental delay or difference that affects language processing. Despite the lack of clear causes for LPD, early identification and appropriate interventions can help individuals with LPD overcome their challenges and improve their language skills.
Auditory Processing vs Language Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and Language Processing Disorder (LPD) are two distinct disorders, although they may share some similarities in their symptoms.
APD is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to process and interpret sounds. Individuals with APD may have difficulty distinguishing between sounds, processing speech in noisy environments, or understanding rapid speech. APD primarily affects the processing of auditory information, rather than language specifically.
On the other hand, LPD is a language-based disorder that affects a person’s ability to use and understand language effectively. Individuals with LPD may struggle with finding meaning in spoken language, expressing their thoughts and ideas clearly, and recalling words or sentences. LPD primarily affects language processing, rather than auditory processing specifically.
While there may be some overlap in the symptoms of APD and LPD, the underlying causes and areas of difficulty are different.
APD is primarily a problem with processing auditory information, whereas LPD is primarily a problem with processing language information.
A proper diagnosis and evaluation by a qualified professional are important to differentiate between the two disorders and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms and Signs of Language Processing Disorder
If you suspect your child is affected, early detection is crucial in treating this condition. Unfortunately, LPD often goes undetected because its signs are not easily recognized. The symptoms can vary drastically from child to child making it even more difficult to diagnose.
Additional Resources: Online LPD Self-Tests (Source: Additude Mag)
[Self-Test: Language Processing Disorders in Adults]
[Self-Test: Language Processing Disorders in Children]
There are common symptoms that can help to identify this condition. (Source: Ally)
Individuals may experience Language Processing Disorder if they express the following:
- Struggle to comprehend the meaning of other people’s language
- may have difficulty processing and remembering language-related tasks
- may misspell or mispronounce similar-sounding words or omit syllables
- May have trouble following directions, whether simple or complicated
- have difficulty staying focused on or remembering a verbal presentation or lecture
- Become frustrated by their inability to communicate their thoughts effectively
- Often feel like they are on the verge of saying a particular word,
- Have difficulty recollecting a specific word but can describe or illustrate it
- Experience depression due to their incapability to converse or comprehend others.
- Constant repetition of the same phrases and overusing filler words (e.g.: ‘umm’, ‘uhh’, ‘things’ etc.)
- Failing to find the right words during conversation
- Inability to follow directions
- Getting easily frustrated when trying to communicate verbally
- Staying aloof and avoiding other children while preferring to remain silent in the company of others
Two Types of Language Processing Disorder
There are two types of language disorders: expressive and receptive. (Source: Additude Magazine)
Expressive language disorders affect the ability to express thoughts using language. It occurs when people find it difficult to find the right words to articulate feelings and ideas and be able to communicate coherently using language tools in the right way.
Receptive language disorders affect a person’s ability to comprehend accurately what is being said and make it hard to understand what others are saying or to follow a conversation. A child with a receptive language processing disorder may find it difficult to understand instructions or interpret what is told to them or process the words normally.
It’s common for both types to be present making it difficult and communicate and socialize normally.
How to Treat Language Processing Disorder
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from LPD, you may need to consult a speech or language therapist who is trained and qualified to evaluate this condition.
Educational Support
For a younger emotional child, the state’s Early Intervention program was created to help with evaluation. Older students can get tested through the public school system.
Educational support can play a crucial role in helping individuals with Language Processing Disorder (LPD) to improve their language skills and overcome their challenges. Here are some ways educational support can help:
One of the first strategies is creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a written plan that outlines the educational goals, accommodations, and support services for students with disabilities, including LPD. The IEP team, which includes the student, their parents, teachers, and other professionals, works together to create an individualized plan that addresses the student’s unique needs and helps them succeed academically.
Special education services can assist students with LPD with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology. These services can help students improve their language skills, develop communication strategies, and use technology to support their learning.
Schools may also provide accommodations, such as extended time for tests, allow them to access to note-taking software, to help students with LPD overcome their challenges and succeed in the classroom.
Multisensory instruction can also be used. It’s an approach that engages multiple senses, such as sight, sound, and touch, to help students with LPD learn and retain information. For example, a teacher may use visual aids, such as pictures or diagrams, to help students understand new concepts or use hands-on activities to reinforce learning.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech therapy is a common method that is used to treat LPD. The successful treatment is higher with early detection. However, the success rates for older children and even adults can be as high as 70%, so it’s never too late to treat those who are affected.
Speech therapists can work with individuals with LPD to help them improve their ability to comprehend spoken language. This may involve exercises to help them identify keywords, understand complex sentences, and infer meaning from context.
Speech therapists can also help individuals with LPD to improve their expressive language skills, including their ability to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely. This may involve exercises to help them organize their thoughts, use appropriate grammar and syntax, and expand their vocabulary.
Accommodations and Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can be a powerful tool in helping individuals with Language Processing Disorder (LPD) to overcome their challenges and communicate more effectively. Here are some ways assistive technology can help with LPD:
Speech-to-text software:
Speech-to-text software allows individuals to speak into a computer or mobile device and have their words translated into text. This can be especially helpful for individuals with LPD who have difficulty expressing themselves through writing.
Text-to-speech software
Text-to-speech software allows individuals to have written text read aloud to them. This can be helpful for individuals with LPD who have difficulty reading or comprehending written text.
Word prediction software
Word prediction software can help individuals with LPD to complete sentences more quickly and accurately by suggesting words as they type.
Visual aids
Visual aids, such as a picture or symbol cards, can help individuals with LPD to understand and communicate information more effectively.
Multimedia presentations
Multimedia presentations, such as videos or interactive software, can help individuals with LPD to learn and retain information more effectively by engaging multiple senses.
Electronic organizers
Electronic organizers, such as digital calendars or reminder systems, can help individuals with LPD to stay organized and manage their time more effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LPD may not be very easy to spot but there are sure signs that can help identify the problem. Early detection and intervention by trained professionals can make a world of difference in helping children overcome this condition and help them lead normal lives.