WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What type of language disorder is attributable to another condition or disability?

1. Primary Language Disorder

2. Secondary Language Disorder

3. Expressive Language Delay

4. Specific Language Impairment

The correct answer is: Secondary Language Disorder

The correct answer is attributed to the concept of secondary language disorders, which are directly linked to another underlying condition or disability. In this context, a secondary language disorder can occur as a result of various factors, such as developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments, or neurological conditions. This means that the language difficulties cannot be isolated from the primary condition affecting the individual. In contrast, a primary language disorder refers to language impairments that stand alone without being connected to other diagnoses. Expressive language delay is a specific type of language disorder primarily focused on difficulties with verbal expression but does not necessarily indicate an underlying condition. Specific language impairment represents language challenges that arise without any known reason, not tied to another disability. Thus, secondary language disorders highlight the importance of understanding the broader context of a person’s needs to provide appropriate interventions and support.