Language Processing Disorder LPD - Our Complete Guide for Parents

Does your child appear to hear what you are saying but still struggle to understand, follow directions, or express themselves clearly? If so, they are not alone, and in some cases, these challenges may be linked to something called Language Processing Disorder (LPD). 

This helpful guide will answer many of the common questions around this disorder, including how speech therapy can help. Book an Appointment to get started!

What is Language Processing Disorder? 

Language Processing Disorder (LPD) is a language-based learning disability that affects how the brain interprets and uses language. Children with LPD usually have normal hearing and intelligence, but they struggle to make sense of spoken or written language. To simplify, they can hear the words correctly, but struggle with processing what those words mean. LPD is a language disorder that affects how a person understands language (receptive) or uses language(expressive). 

What are the Different Types of Language Processing Disorders?

Language Processing Disorders can show up differently in each individual, but they usually fall into the following categories:

Expressive Language Disorder: Individuals with expressive language disorder have difficulty expressing their thoughts, ideas, and feelings using spoken or written language. They may have limited vocabulary, difficulty producing grammatically correct sentences, or find word retrieval or organization challenging.

Receptive Language Disorder: A person with receptive language disorder has difficulties with understanding spoken or written language. Because of this, they often have trouble following directions, understanding sentences that are difficult and abstract concepts, and understanding figurative language.

Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder: Someone who has a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder has problems understanding and using spoken and written language. They may exhibit challenges with comprehension, expressive language production, vocabulary development, grammar usage, and social communication skills.

Signs and Symptoms of Language Processing Disorder

Every child with LPD is different, but these are common patterns that parents often notice.

Signs in Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Limited vocabulary for their age
• Difficulty following simple directions
• Trouble understanding questions
• Delayed speech development

Signs for School-Aged Children

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions
• Frequently asking “what” or needing you to repeat yourself
• Struggles with reading comprehension
• Trouble organizing thoughts into sentences
• Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or abstract language

Other Signs

• Appearing inattentive or “zoned out”
• Avoiding conversations
• Frustration when trying to communicate

What Causes Language Processing Disorder

Language processing disorder relates to how the brain processes language and is considered a neurological condition. While the exact cause of LPD is unknown, we do know that there can be a variety of contributing factors, such as:

• Genetic influences (it can run in families)
• Differences in brain development
• Developmental conditions
• Environmental factors (such as premature birth or limited early language exposure)

It’s important to note that LPD is just the way that the brain processes language, and it is not caused by lack of effort or poor parenting.

Is it LPD or something else? 

LPD is sometimes misunderstood with other conditions. Let's break down some of the more common.

LPD vs ADHD

• LPD: Difficulty understanding language
• ADHD: Difficulty keeping attention and controlling impulses
• For example, children with LPD may appear inattentive because they don't fully understand what’s being said, while a child with ADHD may understand the language being spoken but struggle to stay focused. 
• Although they are not the same, they can occur together.

LPD vs Autism

• LPD: Primarily affects language processing
• Autism: A broader developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction, and behavior.
• For example, a child with LPD usually wants to engage socially, but they have problems doing so as they struggle with understanding language, whereas a child with autism may have differences in social communication as well.

LPD vs Hearing Problems

• LPD: The brain struggles to interpret language
• Hearing Loss: The ears do not detect sound properly
• To summarize, children with LPD often have normal hearing, but they struggle to understand spoken language. 

How is LPD Diagnosed? 

Diagnosing LPD requires a full evaluation that is typically completed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Before this evaluation, it's important to also have the child’s hearing evaluated to rule out hearing problems. 

Speech Therapy for Language Processing Disorder

Speech therapy is widely recognized as a necessary treatment for language disorders, and speech therapy for language processing disorders focuses on strengthening the specific language skills that your child is struggling with. 

Speech therapy for people with LPD may include

• Vocabulary building exercises
• Sentence building exercises
• Improving listening and comprehension skills
• Practicing following directions
• Developing conversational skills

Speech and language pathologists at Great Speech work closely with individuals, families, and caregivers to create a supportive environment that facilitates and encourages the practice and improvement of language skills. This may include providing visual support, using assistive technology, implementing structured routines, and helping them with many opportunities to communicate clearly and with confidence in social situations. The SLP will monitor progress and adjust the therapy goals and strategies as they see necessary.

Final Thoughts

For many families, Language Processing Disorder can feel confusing at first, especially because it often hides behind behaviors that look like not paying attention or shyness. However, children with LPD who have the right support can build strong communication skills, succeed in school, and feel more confident in everyday interactions, just like their peers can. 

If you suspect that your child may have LPD, schedule your free introductory call. By taking the first step towards evaluation and treatment, you’re giving them the best chance at a successful and happy life. LPD services are covered by many of the major insurance providers throughout the United States, and Great Speech is a proud partner of Cigna, Aetna, Wellcare, Ambetter, Allwell, Priority Health, United Healthcare (in some states), Curative, Centivo, and more, providing quality Speech Therapy Services to individuals and families who need it.