What is the impairment of receptive and/or expressive language capabilities called?

The impairment of receptive and/or expressive language capabilities is known as aphasia. This condition specifically affects a person's ability to communicate effectively, whether it be through speaking (expressive language) or understanding (receptive language). Aphasia typically results from brain damage and can manifest in various forms, such as difficulty finding words, constructing sentences, or comprehending spoken or written language.

In contrast, dyslexia primarily refers to difficulties with reading and language processing that are not related to intelligence, while agnosia involves the inability to process sensory information (e.g., recognizing objects or faces) despite having intact sensory capacities. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can present with challenges in communication and social interactions but is not solely defined by language impairment. Thus, engaging with the specifics of aphasia allows for a clearer understanding of the complexities surrounding language deficits in various populations.