Children learn language at different rates. But if children miss language development milestones by a long way, they are regarded as having a language delay.
What is a language delay?
A language delay is when children have trouble:
Some language delays are associated with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome or hearing impairment. Many occur on their own.
Language delay, language disorder or speech disorder?
A language delay is different from a speech disorder or language disorder.
A speech disorder is when children have difficulty pronouncing the sounds in words. This can make their speech difficult to understand. Children with a speech disorder might have language skills that are otherwise good. That is, they understand words and sentences well and can form sentences correctly.
If a child has a language delay that doesn’t go away, it might be a sign of a language disorder. A language disorder is characterised by significant delays in learning to talk and understand language.
Children with speech disorders do not necessarily have a language delay, but they can have both.
When to get help for language delay
Children develop language at different rates. So comparing your child to other children of the same age might not help you to identify whether your child has a language delay.
It’s best to seek professional advice if you see any of the following signs in your child at different ages.
By 12 months
Your child is not trying to communicate with you (using sounds, gestures and/or words), particularly when needing help or wanting something.
By 2 years
Your child:
Note: at the age of two, about one in five children shows signs of having a language delay. Many of these children will catch up as they get older. Some will continue to have trouble with language.
At about 3 years
Your child:
At any age
Your child:
Children having difficulties with language should get help as early as possible. You’re the best judge of your child’s language development. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts and seek help from a professional. If this professional isn’t concerned about your child, but you’re still worried, seek another opinion.
Where to get help for language delay
If you think your child is having trouble with language, talk to a professional – for example:
Speech therapists
A speech therapist will assess your child’s understanding and use of language. The speech therapist might use language tests designed to get your child to use words or to see how your child responds to requests, commands or questions.
The speech therapist might ask you questions about how your child understands and uses language at home. You’ll also be asked about your child’s background – for example, when your child first started using words, when your child walked, whether your child was premature, and about your family, especially whether anyone has had a language delay or language problems.
If a language delay is suspected, the speech therapist might suggest some therapy sessions, either one-on-one with you, or in a group where your child takes part in language activities alongside other children.
You’ll find speech therapists who work with young children at community health centres, hospitals and private practices. You don’t usually need a referral, but talk to a GP or your paediatrician if you need help finding a speech therapist.
Audiologists
If you think your child might have a hearing impairment, it’s best to have your child’s hearing checked by a professional such as an audiologist.
If your child does have hearing loss, the audiologist can tell you how your child’s hearing could be interfering with language development and communication.
Causes of language delay
We don’t know what causes language delay in most cases. But we do know there’s likely to be a genetic or biological component.
Language delay is more likely for:
Sometimes, delays in communication skills can be signs of more serious developmental disorders including hearing impairment, developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have a concern, talk to your GP or a health professional.
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