Which age group is indicated to use language disorders terminology?

The age group of 3 years and up is highlighted for using language disorder terminology because, after the age of 3, children typically have developed enough linguistic skills to properly assess and identify specific language disorders. By this age, children's speech and language abilities can be evaluated against developmental norms, allowing clinicians to determine if their language skills fall within expected ranges or indicate a disorder.

Additionally, early childhood development, especially during the preschool years, is critical for language acquisition. As children enter this stage, they start to combine words into simple sentences, develop vocabulary, and engage in more complex interactions, making it easier to identify and label any difficulties they might have in communication. Language disorders can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in expression, comprehension, and social use of language, which can be closely observed and assessed starting at this age.

In contrast, the other age groups either represent stages where language development is still emerging (such as birth to 2 years), or where communication patterns might be variable or more difficult to define (like under 12 years), making it less reliable to use specific language disorder terminology before age 3.