A 4-year-old child is evaluated for language delay. He speaks in 3-to-4-word sentences, follows two-step commands, and has normal comprehension for his age. However, his speech is difficult for unfamiliar listeners to understand, and he produces only about 150 words. Which type of language disorder best fits this presentation?

• A Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
• B Childhood-onset fluency disorder
• C Expressive language disorder ✓
• D Social (pragmatic) communication disorder

Explanation

Expressive language disorder is characterized by expressive language scores substantially below receptive language and nonverbal intellectual ability. Comprehension and nonverbal cognition remain normal. Mixed receptive-expressive disorder would show impaired comprehension, which this child does not have. Fluency disorder involves stuttering, and social communication disorder involves pragmatic deficits, neither of which fit this presentation.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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