“Language comprehension” refers to your ability to understand spoken and written language. These skills impact countless aspects of daily life, especially for children, as they participate in classroom learning, follow directions, and engage in conversations. As such, it is part of the core foundation for effective reading, communication, and academic learning.
When comprehension skills are delayed or impaired, children may struggle to retain new information, grasp what others are saying, and express themselves verbally. These language challenges can impact reading, writing, and performance across subjects—not due to a lack of intelligence, but because of a difference in the way their brain processes language.
What Causes Language Comprehension Challenges?
Various circumstances can lead to language comprehension challenges. Two common causes are DLD and dyslexia.
Developmental Language Disorder, or DLD, is a condition that affects how children process and understand language. Children with DLD may struggle to understand vocabulary (especially when new), follow sentence structures, or grasp the meaning of spoken or written language. DLD often co-occurs with reading disorders, such as dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder that affects a child’s ability to decode, recognize words, and understand what they read, especially if they also experience difficulties processing spoken language. Meeting with a professional to diagnose dyslexia can help you and your child better understand how it may affect their language skills.
Other contributing factors to language difficulties may include limited exposure to rich language environments, delayed speech and language development, or challenges with memory and attention.
Signs of Language Comprehension Difficulties
Every child is different; as such, it is natural for children to develop language skills at their own pace. However, persistent difficulties with understanding spoken or written language may point to deeper comprehension challenges.
Common signs of language comprehension difficulties include:
- Trouble following multi-step directions, especially when instructions are given verbally.
- Difficulty understanding new vocabulary, idioms, or abstract concepts, even after repeated exposure.
- Frequently repeating questions or asking for clarification due to trouble processing the information.
- Challenges retelling events or summarizing a story in the correct order, often omitting key details.
- Reading fluently, but struggling to answer questions related to what they read.
Recognizing these signs early on can help you seek appropriate support for your child before the challenges grow more significant.
How a Language or Reading Disorder Diagnosis Can Help
If you notice that your child struggles with understanding spoken or written language, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Seeking out a formal evaluation for a language or reading disorder diagnosis can be an invaluable step. These assessments go beyond providing a diagnosis—they offer families clarity and direction. By understanding the root cause of a child’s challenges, parents and educators can begin developing strategies that truly match that child’s individual needs.
Why Early Identification Matters
The earlier you recognize comprehension struggles and meet with a professional to diagnose dyslexia, DLD, or other challenges, the sooner your child can receive timely support. Interventions like structured literacy instruction and language-based strategies can improve comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar, helping your child strengthen their language skills before academic gaps widen.
A professional language or reading disorder diagnosis may also lead to classroom accommodations. These can include extra time on tests, modified instructions, or access to audiobooks to help children stay engaged while developing essential skills.
Although early identification and diagnosis are ideal, this does not mean it is ever too late to seek support for your child. Gaining access to individualized support at any stage of your child’s academic journey can help them make meaningful progress and build confidence in their learning skills.
Tailored Language Comprehension Evaluations
Led by Nicole Power, a certified speech-language pathologist and reading specialist, Educational Inspiration specializes in helping families find answers through comprehensive educational assessments at our office in Edmond, Oklahoma. Our evaluations provide more than test results—they offer practical insights to help you confidently advocate for your child throughout their academic journey.
If your child is struggling with language or reading, or if you are seeking a professional to diagnose dyslexia or DLD, we are here to help. Contact us to schedule your consultation.