Learn about the different types of language disorder, possible causes, common signs to look out for, and how speech therapy can support communication and everyday development.
Written by: William Huynh, MPSA-CPSP, Senior Speech Pathologist
Published: 24 May 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child’s development or behaviour, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional is recommended.
Language disorder is a communication disorder that affects how a person understands, processes, and uses language. It can make it harder to follow instructions, understand questions, express thoughts clearly, learn new words, or participate in conversations at the same level as others their age.
Language difficulties can affect children and adults differently, depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Some people may struggle mainly with understanding language, while others may find it difficult to express themselves verbally, organise sentences, or use language in social situations.
Clinician’s Notes: Despite some overlap, speech sound disorders are different from language disorders. A speech sound disorder affects how speech sounds are produced and spoken, while a language disorder affects how a person understands, processes, or uses words and sentences to communicate meaning. As such, these are assessed differently in the clinic.
Language disorder can affect how a person understands language, uses language, or both. The main types include receptive language disorder, expressive language disorder, and mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, each affecting communication in different ways.
Receptive language disorder affects how a person understands spoken or written language. Someone with receptive language difficulties may struggle to process information, follow conversations, or understand what others are saying.
Examples may include:
Expressive language disorder affects how a person uses language to communicate thoughts, ideas, and needs. A person may know what they want to say but struggle to organise or express it clearly.
Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder involves difficulties with both understanding and using language. This can affect communication, learning, social interaction, and everyday confidence.
Language disorder can develop for many different reasons, and in some cases, there may not be one clear cause. Language difficulties can be developmental, meaning they appear as a child grows, or they may be linked to other medical, neurological, hearing, or developmental conditions.
Some possible causes and contributing factors include:
It is also possible for someone to experience language difficulties without any known underlying condition. A speech language pathologist can help identify how language challenges are affecting everyday communication and recommend appropriate support strategies or therapy.
Language difficulties can look different at different stages of life. Some signs may appear early during language development, while others become more noticeable when communication demands increase at school, work, or in social situations.
Treatment for language disorder depends on the person’s age, communication needs, and the specific challenges they are experiencing. Speech therapy focuses on building practical language skills that support communication at home, school, work, and in everyday life.
A speech pathologist may support receptive language skills, expressive language skills, or both through individualised therapy strategies and activities. Treatment may focus on:
Clinician’s Notes: For individuals facing significant communication barriers, treatment may also incorporate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to ensure they have a functional way to express their needs and thoughts.
Therapy can also involve families, teachers, carers, or support workers to help reinforce communication strategies outside sessions. Early support can make a significant difference, but teenagers and adults can also benefit from speech therapy at any stage of life.
William Huynh is a senior speech pathologist and the director of NDIS-registered provider Brighter Futures Allied Health. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs, including disability, dysphagia, and acquired language impairments. William has completed specialist training in approaches such as Key Word Sign, LAMP Words for Life, Grid 3, and Hanen’s More Than Words. He also supervises speech pathologists and student placements, supporting evidence-based and family-centred practice.
