How To Spot Language Processing Disorder

Can't Think Of Words

Adding to the difficulty with expressing themselves, individuals with language processing disorders often can't think of the words they want to use. They may struggle to come up with what seems like a simple word, and say 'that thing' instead. Often, their sentences make no sense to anyone but them. It is common for them to make up their own word to replace the one they cannot think of. They may say a word close to what they mean, but is not quite right. An example would be referring to their leg as an arm, or vice versa. This is another symptom that can carry on from childhood to adulthood if treatment isn't sought out or is unsuccessful.

Difficulty Understanding Jokes

Something that can be frustrating for those with language processing disorder is their inability to understand what everyone else is laughing at. The difficulty understanding jokes comes from their tendency to take everything literally. They struggle enough with the actual meaning of words during a conversation; trying to figure out someone being witty or making exaggerated statements can seem impossible.

Sarcasm, in particular, seems to present a challenge because the person usually means the opposite of what they are saying. Someone with language processing disorder is also unlikely to make jokes of their own. This inability to understand what others are laughing at is a big contributor to the isolation and loneliness that can come with this disorder.