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Language Delays and Disorders in Children
Development of Language: There are many factors that affect a child’s language development ranging from early learning experiences, their physical development, to social interaction. It can also be influenced by a developmental delay, hearing impairment, genetics, or autism. Children with language delays or disorders may also have difficulties with reading, spelling and school subjects, so early assessment and treatment (intervention) is important.
Early Indicators
Children with receptive language issues may have trouble understanding what other people say, following simple directions, and organizing information they hear. A receptive language issue can be hard to spot in very young children. Click here for more information on auditory and language processing. [link]
Problems with expressive language (speaking) are the most common sign of language disorders and are easier to identify early. Children may be late to start talking and not speak until two or later. At three, they may be speaking but hard to understand.
Here Are Other Signs of Expressive Language Issues:
- Lack of eye contact as an infant.
- Delayed babbling as an infant.
- A smaller vocabulary compared to children the same age.
- Frequently says “um” and substitutes general words like “stuff” and “things” for more precise words.
- Has trouble learning new vocabulary words.
- Leaves out key words and confuses verb tense.
- Uses certain phrases over and over again when talking.
- Seems frustrated at not being able to communicate thoughts.
- May not talk much or often, but understands what other people say.
- Is able to pronounce words and sounds, but sentences often don’t make sense.
- Uses a limited variety of sentence structures when speaking.
If you have concerns about your child’s language, speak to your health care practitioner or Contact Our Office
to arrange for an assessment with one of our qualified speech-language pathologists.
Related Posts
While literacy includes reading and writing skills, it also involves a relationship with expressive language (communication). Many of the same basic skills needed for oral language are also needed for written language, with the addition of some higher-level skills. Early indicators a child may have difficulty with literacy: Family history of reading disability. First word not produced until after 15 months of age. Words not combined until after 24 months of age. Difficulty pronouncing words when older than 6 years of age. Lack of awareness and ability to use rhymes during preschool years. Inability to segment words into syllables after age 5.
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Our team specializes in speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy for children, adults, and seniors. Our offices are in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but we travel to communities in Northwestern Ontario.
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