ABSTRACT
Language Disorder (LD) has been described as a "hidden disability" with respect to the identification of affected children and the attention it receives in research and clinical settings. This chapter labels 'Language Disorder' or LD used to describe the syndrome. This term was assigned in the DSM-5. At a practical level, the diagnosis of LD may require assessments from a range of experts. For instance, a speech-language pathologist may undertake a formal assessment of language skills using a standardised language test. A psychologist may assess whether an intellectual disability is present. Another challenge associated with diagnosing LD is the absence of universally accepted psychometric criteria with respect to determining the presence of language impairment. The chapter presents LD as a condition whereby language functioning is dissociated from other problems. Research has also begun to elucidate specific genes associated with LD. The diagnostic criteria of LD are that communication impairments occur in the absence of intellectual, sensory or medical problems.
