Co-occurrence between Language Disorders and Common Conditions in Childhood

Emma Sciberras, Amanda Brignell, Katy Mueller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

Abstract

Language difficulties are common and appear to occur at higher rates in children with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. This chapter focuses on understanding the overlap between language difficulties and (1) autism spectrum disorder (ASD), (2) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and (3) internalising and externalising and externalising difficulties. We use data from cross-sectional and longitudinal designs to examine the associations between these conditions in both clinical and population-based research. Language difficulties were more common than expected across all contexts, suggesting these are important in the assessment and treatment of these disorders. However, there is variation in how much language difficulties are considered in clinical practice across these conditions. In the area of ASD, language difficulties are often a key consideration, whereas for ADHD and internalising and externalising difficulties, language difficulties tend not to be routinely considered. Here we point to the need for language-based services to consider other developmental and mental health conditions, and the need for mental health services to consider the potential presence of language difficulties. We recommend that research examines how to better support children with language difficulties to prevent the development of future internalising and externalising difficulties.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLanguage Development
Subtitle of host publicationIndividual Differences in a Social Context
EditorsJames Law, Sheena Reilly, Cristina McKean
Place of PublicationCambridge UK
PublisherCambridge University Press
Chapter5
Pages100-121
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9781108643719
ISBN (Print)9781108494090, 9781108713900
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • ASD
  • Autism
  • Behavioural
  • Child
  • Emotional
  • Externalising
  • Internalising
  • Language
  • Mental health

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