Is there a diagnostic scheme for persisting receptive language disorder (ICD10: F80.28) used with (non-autistic) adults in adult psychiatry (or neurology or language/speech therapy)?
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Receptive language disorder – as a neurodevelopmental disorder - is usually underdiagnosed in childhood, as you can`t perceive it directly, contrary to expressive language disorder. Non-diagnosed, otherwise non-retarded and non-autistic individuals (therefore without speech therapy) won`t loose this problem when grown up. Nevertheless, there is evidence that individuals with (receptive) language disorders will perform worse in different fields of life as adults and have a risk to develop mental disorders. Is there any scheme to diagnose this disorder in late adolescence or adulthood (especially as a comorbid problem) – in order to model therapeutic and social interventions better?
Hi Ulrich Rüth , I'm working in with a paediatric population, but you are absolutely correct, that Developmental Language Disorder (and other language impairments) can persist into adulthood for many individuals affected, and it is helpful for the person to (1) be aware of their strengths & weaknesses, (2) be supported to develop compensatory strategies, (3) continue to develop specific skills as indicated, and (4) be able to share relevant information about this with current/future employers, colleagues, and friends.
When I have worked with older adolescents around this issue, assessments by a psychologist & speech pathologist can clarify if the challenges are predominantly in the language domain. As a speech pathologist, we then collaborate with the client to identify compensatory strategies & approaches that will be helpful. There are resources that I use clinically, dependent upon whether the main challenges are in the academic area, workplace, or social (pragmatic) sphere.