Oral language disorders and written language disorders (such as dyslexia) have, historically, been considered to be separate disorders. However, the results of research studies using psycholinguistic or cognitive neuroscience approaches suggest that these developmental disorders of language learning occur frequently within the same individual and that both types of disorder may cluster in families. Understanding the similarities and differences between various types of oral and written language disorders, how these disorders change in presentation at different stages of development, and the neurobiologic basis of these developmental disabilities will continue to be the focus of research. Future research in these areas will also have significant implications for improving diagnosis and treatment developmental disabilities related to language learning.

Developmental Language Learning Impairments Information: Inside
[ Epidemiology of language disorders ] [ Diagnostic terminology ] [ Research ] [ Psycholinguistic approach ]
[ Cognitive neuroscience approach ] [ Future research ]
[ Further reading ] [ Special Education Schools ] [ Camps ]

This section was created by Paula Tallal. She is the Co-Director of the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience at Rutgers University.