Språkhemming

Språkhemming is a term used to describe significant difficulties in language development, use, or processing that are not explained by hearing loss, intellectual disability, or insufficient language exposure. It can affect spoken, written, or sign language and may be developmental or acquired later in life. It encompasses problems in receptive language (understanding), expressive language (speaking, vocabulary, grammar), and pragmatic language (social use of language).

Presentation varies, but common signs include a limited vocabulary, difficulty forming grammatically correct sentences, trouble following complex instructions, reduced ability to tell a coherent story, and challenges with conversation and social communication. In children, symptoms often appear during early schooling; in adults, language impairment may follow brain injury, stroke, or illness.

Causes and related conditions include developmental language disorder (primary language impairment with no other explanatory condition), hearing loss or auditory processing problems, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and various neurological injuries. Environmental factors such as limited language exposure or lack of support for multilingual development can influence presentation and assessment.

Assessment is typically conducted by a speech-language pathologist and includes standardized tests of receptive and expressive language, language sampling, observation of communication in daily contexts, hearing screening, and an evaluation of cognitive and social development. Differential diagnosis considers autism, learning disorders, hearing loss, and other medical conditions.

Management relies on evidence-based speech-language therapy, with targets for vocabulary, grammar, discourse, and pragmatic skills. Interventions may include parent and teacher coaching and, when appropriate, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Early identification and consistent support in home and school contexts improve prognosis.