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Warning-sign checks

Language disorders in children: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a sudden inability to speak or understand language, particularly with:

    • Weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body
    • A seizure
    • Severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness
    • A recent significant head injury
    • Trouble breathing or swallowing
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if your child gradually loses words or communication skills they previously used.

    Regression, meaning a loss of established skills, needs assessment even if your child otherwise appears well.

    These sudden symptoms are different from a developmental language disorder and may signal an urgent neurological problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine assessment if you are concerned that your child is not understanding or using language as expected, frequently becomes frustrated when communicating, or is struggling with conversation, reading, writing, or school instructions.

    You do not need to wait until a child is failing at school.

The article also says

A hearing check is appropriate when language development is delayed, especially if your child does not respond consistently to sounds or has repeated ear problems.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Language disorders in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.