How is the condition diagnosed?

The parents or a teacher often notice the problem first. Diagnosis starts with a history and physical exam. In some cases, this may be all that is needed to figure out the cause. In other cases, further testing may be needed.

The tests used depend on the suspected cause. For instance, a formal hearing test may be done if hearing loss is suspected. One such test is called brain stem-evoked response audiometry, or a BAER test. A formal test of intelligence, also called an IQ test, may be done to test for mental retardation. Formal language tests can also help determine the nature of the language problem. Examples of language tests include the Early Language Milestone Scale and the Clinical Linguistic Assessment Measurement Test. An x-ray test called a cranial CT scan may be ordered if nervous system damage is suspected.

Psychological tests, such as a Rorschach inkblot test, may be ordered if an emotional problem is suspected.