How might a child with a language disorder mainly struggle during the school-age period?

A child with a language disorder may face significant challenges with written language during the school-age period, and this is particularly relevant for their academic success. As children progress in their education, there is a greater emphasis on reading and writing skills. Language disorders can affect vocabulary development, grammar, and overall comprehension, making it difficult for the child to effectively communicate their ideas in written form.

In school, children are often required to express their understanding of subjects through writing, whether in the form of essays, reports, or even simple answers to questions. A child with a language disorder may struggle with organizing their thoughts, using appropriate language structures, and adhering to conventions of writing, such as spelling and punctuation. This can hinder their ability to perform well academically, participate in assessments, and fully engage with the curriculum.

While spoken language is essential and can also be impacted, the transition to greater reliance on written communication in the school environment makes struggles with written language particularly pronounced. Thus, focusing specifically on the struggles associated with written expression captures a critical aspect of the challenges that arise for children with language disorders during this developmental stage.