Language learning difficulties

Communication difficulties can make it hard for you to understand and use language. You might find it tough to speak, understand what others are saying, or both. You may use short sentences, mix up the order of words, or say “um” a lot. Sometimes these challenges only become more clear in the teen years, when schoolwork and conversations get more complex.

These challenges can make things difficult at home, in school, and with friends. Communication difficulties are different from speech sound disorders, where you might have trouble making sounds. With communication difficulties, you can make sounds but have trouble using them to communicate.

This difficulty doesn’t mean you’re less intelligent or less capable. It just means that your way of learning and expressing yourself may be different from others. It’s important to know that these difficulties are not your fault, and there are ways to get help.

What is typical?

As you grow, your communication skills develop over time. Most people reach certain milestones as they learn to communicate. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:

• By age 2: You can usually say a few words and understand simple instructions.
• By age 3: You can speak in short sentences and follow simple directions.
• By age 4: You can tell simple stories and understand basic concepts like colors and shapes.
• By age 5: You can use full sentences and understand more complex instructions.
• By ages 6-7: You can have conversations and understand stories read to you.
• By ages 8-9: You can understand jokes and riddles and use language to express your thoughts clearly.
• By ages 10-11: You can use language to learn new information and explain your ideas.
• By ages 12-14: You can use language to discuss abstract ideas and understand different points of view.

It’s okay to struggle with some of these things. The important thing is not to ignore it if something is really getting in the way of your daily life. Sometimes, the difficulty shows up in smaller ways, like needing much more time than your classmates to finish an activity or getting confused by long texts.

When should I be concerned?

There are signs that you might be having communication difficulties. These signs can vary based on your age. You might have trouble learning and using language, both spoken and written. You might struggle with vocabulary, sentence structure, or having conversations. You may use short, simple sentences or put words in the wrong order. You might say “um” a lot or repeat parts of questions before answering. You might avoid talking to people you don’t know well or have a limited vocabulary. You may also have trouble organizing your thoughts or following directions.

You should be concerned if you notice that these difficulties are affecting your school routine, your relationships with friends, or your self-esteem. It’s also worth paying attention if these challenges are frequently leaving you feeling unmotivated, anxious, or frustrated. Talking about it with a trusted adult is a good first step.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

If you think you have communication difficulties, there are things you can try to help yourself:

1. Practice speaking: Talk to friends or family about your day. This helps you get used to using language.
2. Read books: Choose books that interest you and read them out loud. This can improve your vocabulary and understanding.
3. Use visual aids: Draw pictures or use gestures to help explain your thoughts.
4. Play language games: Engage in games that involve naming objects or describing things.
5. Ask for help: If you’re struggling, ask a teacher or caregiver for help. They can give you tips and support.
6. Repeat and practice: If you hear a new word, try using it in a sentence. Practice makes perfect!
7. Value each step: Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Learning new skills with others can be more fun and is a way to share how you’re feeling.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

If your communication difficulties last more than a few weeks, ask a trusted adult for help. Getting help early is better for your communication skills and self-esteem. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way of taking care of yourself.

You can talk to a professional at your school, a doctor, or another health professional. They will listen to you without judgment and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist, like a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who helps with language issues. Educational psychologistsand neuropsychologistscan also help.

There are several types of professionals in schools that may be able to help, including special education teachersand speech-language pathologists.

You can also find free support through the Unified Health System (SUS). Care often begins at your local Basic Health Unit (UBS).