Based on the milestones set for typical toddlers, if the child tends to have a lot of or very long delays, they may be deemed as having language delay. However, proper testing by a professional like a speech therapist or a doctors confirmation will be required to determine if a child has language delay. Although these milestones are the typical milestones for a child, they should not be followed strictly as they are mere guidelines. Language development in language delay
Early developmental language delay is characterized by slow language development in preschoolers. Language development for children with language delay takes longer than the general timeline provided above. It is not only slower, but also presents itself in different forms. For example, a child with a language delay could have weaker language skills such as the ability to produce phrases at 24 months-old. They may find themselves producing language that is different from language norms in developing children. Types of Language Delay
A language delay is commonly divided into receptive and expressive categories. Both categories are essential in developing effective communication. Receptive language refers to the process of understanding language, both verbal (spoken) and nonverbal (written, gestural). This may involve gaining information from sounds and words, visual information from surrounding environment, written information and grammar.Expressive language refers to the use of sentences (made of words or signs) to communicate messages to others. It enables children to express their needs and wants to the people around them, interact with others and develop their language skills in speech and writing.
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