Singhania Clinic & Therapy Centre DMCC

Understanding Specific Language Impairment

Today, we’re diving into an important topic that affects many children and their families: Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Understanding SLI, its symptoms, causes, and treatments can significantly impact your child’s development and quality of life.

What is a Specific Language Impairment?

Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is a developmental language disorder that affects a child’s ability to acquire language skills despite having normal hearing and cognitive development. SLI is also known as developmental language disorder or language delay. It was previously known as developmental dysphasia. It is one of the most common childhood learning disabilities, affecting about 7-8% of children in kindergarten. The prevalence estimate for boys was 8% and for girls 6%.

Causes of Specific Language Impairment

The exact cause of SLI is unknown, but research suggests a vital genetic component. Children with SLI are more likely to have family members with language difficulties. 50-70% of children with SLI have at least one other family member with similar language challenges.

Symptoms of Specific Language Impairment

Children with SLI typically exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Late Talkers: Often, children with SLI are late to talk and may not produce any words till they are two years old.
  • Difficulty with Speech Clarity: They may begin to talk at age three, but it may not be understandable as the speech lacks clarity.
  • Struggles with Vocabulary and Grammar: They may have trouble learning new words and forming correct sentences.
  • Verb Usage Problems: Difficulty using verbs is a hallmark of SLI. Common errors include dropping the “s” from the end of present-tense verbs, omitting past tense markers, and asking questions without the usual “be” or “do” verbs.

For example, instead of saying, “She rides the horse,” a child with SLI might say, “She ride the horse.”

Diagnosing Specific Language Impairment

Parents, preschool teachers, or schoolteachers are often the first to notice potential signs of SLI. Diagnosis typically involves a speech-language pathologist who evaluates the child’s language skills using various assessment tools. These assessments look at how well the child constructs sentences, maintains word order, and the richness of their vocabulary. Individuals with SLI often carry a diagnosis of “Mixed Expressive/Receptive Language Impairment” or “Expressive Language Impairment.”

Treatment Options for Specific Language Impairment

Early intervention is crucial for children with SLI. Here are some effective treatment strategies:

  • Speech-Language Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can provide structured activities and exercises tailored to the child’s needs.
  • Special Education Programs: In preschool, special education programs are tailored to enhance language development, particularly for children showing early signs of SLI from as young as 3 years old. These programs typically incorporate activities like role-playing, sharing time, and hands-on lessons to explore new vocabulary. Additionally, they may involve peer role models from typically developing children, fostering a supportive atmosphere aimed at preparing all students for kindergarten.
  • At-Home Enrichment: Parents can engage their children in activities recommended by speech-language pathologists to reinforce language skills at home.

Ongoing Research and Development

Here are some exciting areas of research that are shaping our understanding and treatment of SLI:

  • Genetic Research: Researchers have identified a mutation in the KIAA0319 gene on chromosome 6, linked to SLI. This gene is also associated with other learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and some cases of autism.
  • Bilingual Research: Standardised tests often misidentify bilingual children with language impairments. New dual language diagnostic tests are being developed to identify SLI in bilingual children accurately.
  • Diagnostic Advances: Studies are underway to find early developmental signs that could predict SLI, allowing for earlier intervention. These studies look at behavioural, eye-tracking, and neurophysiological measures in young children at risk for SLI.

How We Can Help

At Singhania Clinic & Therapy Centre, we offer comprehensive services to support children with SLI and their families. Our speech-language pathologist and therapists work collaboratively to create individualised treatment plans. We are dedicated to helping your child achieve their full potential through evidence-based therapies and compassionate care. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis, treatment options, or learning more about SLI, we’re here to help.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Stay tuned for more updates and tips on supportingchildren with developmental challenges.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please get in touch with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way

Scroll to Top