Language Delay

Imagine eagerly waiting for your child’s first words, only to find that they seem to be taking their time. This scenario is familiar to many parents, and it often leads to concerns about language delay. Let’s explore what language delay is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to support your child’s language development.

Language delay is a term used when young children start talking later than their peers, without any other developmental issues. These children, often referred to as “late talkers,” may have difficulties with both speaking and understanding language.

Schedule an appointment with one of our Speech Language Therapists today to discover how we can help you.

What to Look For

Children with language delay might have a smaller vocabulary and find it challenging to form sentences. Some may also struggle to understand language, not just speak it. This can lead to future language and reading difficulties if not addressed early.

To identify language delay, professionals typically look at a few key areas. First, they ensure the child can hear properly, as hearing issues can impact language development. They also check the child’s overall development, including cognitive and motor skills. By 24 months, children with language delay often have fewer than 50 words in their vocabulary and don’t combine words into simple phrases.

Signs Parents Might Notice

As a parent, you might notice that your child has a limited vocabulary by 24 months, struggle to understand verbal directions, or to form sentences, or uses gestures instead of words to communicate. These signs can be concerning, but early intervention can make a significant difference.

Long-Term Outlook

The good news is that many children with language delay catch up by preschool or school age. However, some may continue to face challenges with language and literacy. Early identification and support are crucial in helping these children succeed.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of language delay. Gender-Boys are more likely to experience Language delays than girls, children with motor delays, or those born prematurely are more likely to experience language delay.

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Helping Your Child

There are several ways you can support your child’s language development at home. Reading to your child daily is one of the most effective methods. Encourage play that involves talking and interaction, and consider enrolling your child in a structured childcare setting, which can provide additional language support.

Early Intervention

Early identification and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with language delay. Speech-language Therapists (SLTs) can provide tailored support to help your child develop their language skills. They work closely with families to set goals that promote communication and academic success.

Direct Intervention

For children identified with, or at risk for, communication impairments, direct intervention is structured and implemented by SLTs. These interventions take place in natural settings and involve collaboration among all caregivers and professionals. The goal is to use developmentally supportive practices that are family-centered and culturally responsive.

Intervention strategies can vary. Some are clinician-directed, involving structured activities led by the therapist. Others are child-centered, focusing on play-based activities in everyday settings. Hybrid approaches, like dialogic reading where adults ask questions during reading, combine both methods.

For children with significant language delays, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods can support communication. These tools can help children develop natural speech and language.

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Our Speech Therapy center in Abu Dhabi can help enhance language abilities, articulation, and
social communication, empowering you to communicate confidently and effectively!

Schedule a consultation with Perfect Balance Speech & Language Therapy today, and
take the first step on your child’s journey to better communication!

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