How can I differentiate between a communication disorder and a typical developmental variation in preschool children?

Differentiating between a communication disorder and a typical developmental variation in preschool children primarily hinges on the severity, persistence, and pervasiveness of any observed impairments ¹. A communication disorder, as part of a broader category of developmental problems and disorders, is characterised by impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning ¹. The term 'disorder' applies if the condition is severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to meet the criteria for a disorder in the International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD) or the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) ¹.

Typical developmental variations, in contrast, would not meet these criteria for severity, persistence, and pervasiveness, nor would they typically lead to significant impairments in functioning that warrant a formal diagnosis ¹.

For children, particularly those born preterm, there is an increased risk of speech, language, and communication problems and disorders ¹. Independent risk factors for language disorder include grade 3 or 4 intraventricular haemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and male sex ¹.

Identification of developmental problems and disorders, including communication disorders, involves enhanced developmental surveillance, which is the active monitoring of a child's development at set times using specific tools ¹. If concerns arise, a multidisciplinary team, which includes speech and language therapists, would be involved in further assessment and support ¹.