Which statement best describes developmental language disorder?

• A. Persistent language difficulties without other neurodevelopmental or neurological signs
• B. Hearing loss always accompanies
• C. Delay only in written language
• D. Resolve by age 3

Answer: (A)

Developmental language disorder is defined by persistent language problems that cannot be explained by other conditions such as hearing loss, intellectual disability, or a broader neurodevelopmental disorder. The key idea is that the language difficulties are longstanding and occur in the absence of additional neurodevelopmental signs. This is why the best description is a persistent language difficulty without other neurodevelopmental or neurological signs.

In practice, kids with this profile struggle with speaking, understanding, or using language across contexts, even though their hearing is normal and other areas of development are relatively typical. This distinguishes it from problems that accompany hearing loss or conditions like autism.

The other statements don’t fit because: hearing loss is not a necessary or defining feature of this disorder; a delay limited to written language misses the core oral-language focus; and language problems in this condition typically do not resolve by age 3, often persisting into later childhood.