While language development is not directly affected by the socioeconomic level of a family, the conditions that are associated with the socioeconomic level affects the process of language development to a certain extent. A childs early vocabulary development can be influenced by socioeconomic status via maternal speech, which varies according to the socioeconomic status of the family. Mothers with higher education levels are more likely to use rich vocabulary and speak in longer utterances when interacting with their children, which helps them develop their productive vocabulary more than children from a lower socioeconomic status.Poverty is also a high risk factor for language delay as it results in a lack of access appropriate therapies and services. The likelihood of those requiring early intervention for language delays actually receiving help is extremely low compared to those that dont actually need it. Natural/medical factors
Hearing loss
The process of children acquiring language skills involves hearing sounds and words from their caregivers and surroundings. Hearing loss causes that lack of these sound inputs, causing these children to have difficulties learning to use and understand language, which will eventually lead to delayed speech and language skills. For example, they may struggle with putting sentences together, understanding speech from other people or using the correct grammar, which are some language skills that typically developing children possess. Autism
There is strong evidence that autism is commonly associated with language delay. Children with autism may have difficulties in developing language skills and understanding what is being said to them.
They may also have troubles communicating non-verbally by using hand gestures, eye contact and facial expressions. The extent of their language usage is heavily influenced by their intellectual and social developments. The range of their skills can be very different and on opposite ends of a spectrum. Many children with autism develop some speech and language skills, but not like typically developing children, and with uneven progress.Asperger syndrome, which is classified under the broad umbrella term of autistic spectrum disorder, however, is not associated with language delay. Children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome have decent language skills but use language in different ways from others. They may not be able to understand the use of language devices, such as irony and humor, or conversation reciprocity between involved parties.Heritability
Genes have a very big influence in the presence of language impairments. Neurobiological and genetic mechanisms have a strong influence on late language emergence. A child with a family history of language impairments is more likely to have delayed language emergence and persistent language impairments. They are also 2 times more likely to be late talkers as compared to those with no such family history.Genetic abnormalities may also be a cause of language delays. In 2005, researchers found a connection between expressive language delay and a genetic abnormality: a duplicate set of the same genes that are missing in individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome. Also so called XYY syndrome can often cause speech delay.Twins

Being a twin increases the chance of speech and language delays.