[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Dysphasia refers to a language disorder that can affect both children and adults. While most cases of dysphasia are caused by stroke, damage to the brain, lesions on the brain, or brain tumors, in some cases, dysphasia may be developmental. When developmental dysphasia exists, the problems with language that are characteristic of dysphasia will continue when the child reaches school age, as well as beyond.
For parents of children with developmental dysphasia, knowing what resources are available to help you, as well as signs of the condition and different treatment options, is important. At United Energy Workers Healthcare, our team can answer your questions about free home healthcare for those who have developmental dysphasia. Please call us today or send us a message to learn more.
The Symptoms and Stages of Development Dysphasia
As explained by an article written by the Developmental Dysphasia Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1990), researchers state that developmental dysphasia is “complex and age-related.” For parents, it can be difficult to recognize the signs early on as a child is first acquiring language abilities. That being said, the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better. Here are some symptoms of developmental dysphasia to be aware of:
- Pre-verbal and early verbal stage. Symptoms might include difficult or unclear articulation of speech, the inability to perform a particular purposeful action as it relates to speech, and motor dysfunction. Hearing and auditory perception may also be impaired.
- Verbal period. During the verbal period, linguistic problems will start to play a role. However, researchers explain that the various language symptoms will likely not become prominent and clear until the child is older.
- Kindergarten and beyond. At this point, the oral motor and perceptual problems will begin to decrease; however, the language disorder will continue to progress and play a significant role in the child’s internal speech, learning at school, and conversation.
It’s important for both children and their parents to know that the severity, signs, and symptoms of developmental dysphasia can vary greatly from child-to-child. What’s more, while some language difficulties will persist through adolescence, others may not.
What Causes Developmental Dysphasia
As stated above, this type of dysphasia is a developmental disorder that occurs in children. It is a condition that cannot be attributed to other common childhood disorders, such as autism, intellectual deficits, or sensorimotor complications, or other development complications. Further, the condition does not occur as a result of a brain lesion – one of the most common causes of dysphasia. In some cases, the condition may be inherited. Indeed, genetic factors may play the greatest role in determining whether or not a child will have developmental dysphasia.
Treatment for a Child with Development Dysphasia
If a child is suffering from any form of dysphasia, it is important that they start treatment as soon as possible. Rather than the use of medications or surgeries to treat dysphasia, language and speech therapy is used to help the brain make sense of incoming information, as well as communicate thoughts, feelings, and more with others through language. Depending on the child and the extent of the developmental dysphasia, treatment may be necessary for months or years, and may extend into adolescence. Because children who suffer from developmental dysphasia may struggle in other ways as well, such as struggling to learn how to read or develop social connections, other therapies and interventions may be pursued in conjunction with speech and language therapy, such as working with a reading tutor, or ensuring that the child has help from a child psychologist to process their emotions. Note that dysphasia can be very frustrating for a child, and behavioral problems are common as the child struggles to express themselves without words.
Resources for Parents
Development dysphasia can be difficult for parents, too. For parents of children with development dysphasia, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that there are resources and sources of support available. Talk to your child’s doctor – they may be able to refer you to other parents who are going through the same thing you are.
Reach Out to United Healthcare Energy Workers to Learn More About Free Home Healthcare
If you have questions about free home healthcare and whether development dysphasia is a qualifying condition for EEOICPA or RECA benefits, please reach out to our team at United Energy Workers Healthcare for information and support. We provide free, high-quality healthcare services to qualifying EEOICPA/RECA beneficiaries. Please call us today or send us a message to learn more about how we can support you.
Sources
Developmental Dysphasia Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (1990). Developmental dysphasia: clinical importance and underlying neurological causes. Acta paedopsychiatrica, 53(2). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1704678[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]