However, in a study conducted by Dr. Birken of the Hospital for Sick Children, it was found that watching television while interacting with a parent of caregiver is actually beneficial for children who are bilingual. The study spanned four years, from 2011 to 2015, and was based on parent report and clinician observation. Over the four years it was found that if a bilingual child had interaction with an adult while watching television they did not experience language delay and it in fact helped them develop English, their second language. Treatment
Studies have failed to find clear evidence that a language delay can be prevented by training or educating health care professionals in the subject. Overall, some of the reviews show positive results regarding interventions in language delay, but are not curative. To treat an already existing language delay a child would need Speech and Language Therapy to correct any deficits. These therapists can be found in schools, clinics, through home care agencies, and also colleges where Communication Sciences and Disorders are studied. Most young children with language delay recover to a normal range by five years of age.Aside from these, it is still encouraged for the childs parent to get involved.
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.