Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Which category of language disorder affects both understanding and expression?

1. Receptive disorders

2. Expressive disorders

3. Mixed receptive-expressive disorders

4. Speech disorders

The correct answer is: Mixed receptive-expressive disorders

The correct choice is mixed receptive-expressive disorders because this category encompasses difficulties in both understanding language and expressing oneself. Individuals with this type of disorder may struggle to comprehend what is said to them, as well as having challenges in forming their own spoken or written language. This dual impact on both reception (understanding) and production (expression) sets mixed receptive-expressive disorders apart from other types of language disorders, which typically focus on either understanding or expression. In contrast, receptive disorders are primarily concerned with difficulties in understanding language, whereas expressive disorders only involve challenges in producing language. Speech disorders focus more on articulation and phonological issues rather than the broader aspects of language comprehension and production. Thus, mixed receptive-expressive disorders accurately captures the essential traits of the question regarding simultaneous difficulties in both areas.