For example, a child may be delayed in speech (i.e., unable to produce intelligible speech sounds), but not delayed in language because they use a Sign Language. Additionally, language delay encompasses the entirety of language developmental progress being slowed and not just the speech aspects. Language delays are recognized by comparing language development of children to recognized developmental milestones. They are presented in a variety of ways, as every individual child has a unique set of language skills and deficiencies that are identifiable through many different screenings and tools. There are different causes leading to language delay; it is often a result of another developmental disorder and treatment requires analysis of the unique individual causes. The condition is frequently observed early on, among two- and three-year-olds. Early language delays are only considered risk-factors in leading to more severe language disorders. Language Development
The anatomical language centers of the brain are the Brocas and Wernickes area. These two areas include all aspects of the development of language. The Brocas area is the motor portion of language at the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus and involves speech production. The Wernickes area is the sensory portion of language at the posterior part of the left superior temporal gyrus and involves auditory verbal comprehension.There are recognizable speech and language developmental milestones in children. For children with language delays, milestones in their language development may be different or slowed. Recent studies have shown the different milestones for children with language delay compared to children with normal language development.
Parents have the ability to maintain language delay by offering the child a non-verbal environment or one where their communication may not be challenged. Intervention programs and strategies are found to be beneficial to children with a specific language impairments. Research has found that the management strategies put to use are influenced by the child and the important participation of the parents. Parents are likely to follow the lead of the childs language development. One approach for intervening is naturalistic intervention. The child is in a natural environment where the communication is more responsive, rather than being more direct. See also
References
Further reading
External links
Speech Therapy for Down Syndrome
Different Issues in Speech and Language Development - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Delay in Speech and Language - KidsHealth
Early Identification of Speech -Language Delays and Disorders
Speech and Language Delays and Disorders - University of Michigan Health System
CHAPTER III - Assessment Methods for Young Children With Communications Disorders
Statistics on Voice, Speech, and Language - National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders