Language-Based Learning Difficulties

A learning disability is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. It explains why individuals with at least average intelligence may face unexpected difficulties in acquiring essential academic skills.

Since language is fundamental to learning—encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing—students with language-based learning challenges often struggle in traditional classrooms, despite their intelligence. When language development is impaired, it can create significant obstacles to academic success.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have specialized expertise in how language and cognition interact. They help students develop both core and compensatory language skills, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed independently—reducing their long-term reliance on tutors.

Signs of Language-Based Learning Difficulties

Your child may be facing language-related challenges if they struggle with:

SPEAKING

  WRITING
Thinking of the right word Using grammar words properly
Using grammar words properly Forming full sentences
Forming full, logical sentences Linking ideas in paragraphs
Telling stories in a logical order Spelling
   
UNDERSTANDING READING
Understanding grammar Decoding words
Comprehending information quickly Making sense of sentences/paragraphs
Understanding sarcasm, jokes, etc. “Reading between the lines”
Following conversations and directions Reading quickly

Late-Talkers

If your child is a late talker—meaning they have limited vocabulary or struggle to combine words by age 2—it’s natural to feel concerned. Some late talkers catch up on their own, but others may need support. Watch for signs like difficulty understanding simple instructions, limited gestures, or frustration when communicating. 

Early intervention is key, so if you’re unsure, seeking an evaluation around age 2–3 can provide guidance and, if needed, targeted therapy to help your child thrive.

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Receptive and Expressive Language

Speech therapy helps develop both your child’s ability to understand spoken or written language and their ability to express their own thoughts and ideas effectively.
  • Receptive Language Therapy: Speech therapists use activities such as picture identification, following directions, and answering questions to strengthen a person’s ability to understand spoken language.
  • Expressive Language Therapy: To improve communication skills, therapists work on vocabulary development, sentence formation, and conversation practice, helping individuals express themselves more clearly and effectively
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Language Development Milestones

By Age 5
  • Vocabulary consists of 2200-2500 words
  • Begins to know letter names and sounds as well as numbers and counting
  • Uses “when”, “so”, “if” to make sentences longer and more complex; adds descriptive details to sentences
  • Basic sentence forms acquired; uses regular past tense (e.g., he walked) and third person (e.g., he walks); uses pronouns herself, himself, yourselves
  • Recognizes and writes own name as well as some letters
Age 5-7
  • Uses vocabulary of 3,000-5,000 words
  • Beginning to use/understand passive sentences (e.g., the line was drawn) and learns exceptions to grammatical rules
  • Can match letters to sounds
  • Learning some sight words and can spell some words
  • Plays with sounds (e.g., Pig Latin)
Age 7-9
  • Learns new words via reading, not just conversation
  • Understands that there are multiple meaning words
  • Uses more figurative language (e.g., it’s raining cats and dogs)
  • Reading is more fluent; shifting toward comprehension as focus instead of sounding out (silent reading at a rate of 130 to 220 words per minute)
  • Speaking at a rate of 125-175 words per minute
  • Learns patterns in spelling
  • Complexity of written language matches spoken language
Age 9-12
  • New learning is done via reading (focus of reading is now on comprehension)
  • Understands common idioms (e.g., “a piece of cake”, “go the extra mile”)
  • Increased variety and complexity of written sentences
  • Reading is efficient, automatic, fluent (silent reading at a rate of 180 to 300 words per minute)
Age 12-18
  • Uses vocabulary of 10,000 words by end of high school
  • Written language more complex than spoken
  • Full range of adult grammar used and understood
  • Critical thinking and reading skills developed; can distinguish fact from opinion in writing
  • Silent reading at a rate of 250 to 450 words per minute
  • Speaking at a rate of 180 to 220 words per minute
  • Study skills developed

 

We’re here to help! Contact us for more information or to schedule an assessment and treatment.