Cognitive theories help us understand language disorders by looking at how our minds work when we use language. These theories focus on different mental areas, like attention, perception, memory, and language itself. Each of these can play a part in causing language problems.

1. Attention:

   • If someone has trouble paying attention, it can make it hard for them to understand language. In fact, about 25-50% of people with language disorders also struggle with paying attention.

2. Perception:

   • Basic skills needed to interpret the world around us affect how we process language. Research shows that about 30% of children with language disorders have issues with perception. This can make it hard for them to understand sounds and words.

3. Memory:

   • Many people with language disorders have problems with working memory. Studies suggest that as many as 70% of individuals with specific language impairment (SLI) find it tough to hold onto sounds in their memory. This can affect how they learn new words and build sentences.

4. Language:

   • Cognitive theories highlight that the way we think is closely linked to how we use language. Around 7-9% of children are diagnosed with language disorders, showing that we need different strategies to help them based on how they process information.

In summary, cognitive theories give us important information about the different ways language disorders can happen. They remind us that we should look at attention, perception, memory, and language together when figuring out the best ways to help those with language challenges.