Language Processing Disorder (LPD)

What it is:
Language Processing Disorder affects how someone understands and uses spoken language. It’s different from hearing problems—students hear fine, but their brains struggle to make sense of what they hear or to find the right words when speaking.

What to look out for:
Students may ask for things to be repeated, give vague responses like “that thing,” or pause a lot when trying to explain ideas. Following complex directions is especially hard.

Real-life example:
The teacher says, “Compare the two main characters and explain how their motivations are different.” The student knows the story but freezes—the wording feels overwhelming. They start to answer, but it comes out disjointed, not because they don’t know, but because they can’t process the language quickly enough.

How it affects learning:
Oral instructions, classroom discussions, and reading comprehension are challenging. Students might give short or incorrect answers even though they understand the material, leading teachers to underestimate them.

Best learning strategies:

• Use simple, direct instructions and repeat key points.

• Give written directions alongside spoken ones.

• Pre-teach vocabulary and use visuals to support meaning.

• Ask students to explain instructions back in their own words.

• Provide extra time for responding in class or on tests.

• Speech-language therapy can help strengthen processing skills.