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Learn the definitions of late-talkers and language delays, identify developmental milestones, characteristics, effects, and when to seek therapy for your child. Understand the importance of early intervention. Don't worry if your child is a few months off track; every child develops differently!
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Late-Talkers vs. Language Delays How can we tell the difference?
Late-Talker—A Definition • A late-talker is defined as one who has a delay in language expression (Bernstein, Tigerman-Farber, 2002) • The child will eventually “catch up” without therapeutic intervention
Language Delay—A Definition • Language delay is language development which follows the normal sequencing of development, but it begins later than expected or it proceeds more slowly than normal (Bernstein, Tigerman-Farber, 2002). • Language is like that of a normal younger child. • The child will NOT “catch up” without language intervention.
Developmental Language Milestones**Note: Every child develops differently!!! If your child is a couple of months off, then don’t worry!!! • Children should be using canonical babbling (combinations of consonant-vowel sounds) at about 2-3 months of age. • Children should say their first word at approximately 12 months of age ( Berko-Gleason, 2001).
Characteristics of Late-Talkers and Language Delays**Note: Characteristics are the same for both. • Child’s onset of babbling may be much later than that of a normal developing child. • Child’s speech may be limited to very few words when he/she should be using more words. • Child’s use of speech and language may resemble that of a normal developing younger child.
Effects of Late-talkers and Language-Delayed Children • Some late-talkers and language delayed children have shown to have difficulties in reading and other related subjects as they have gone on to school (Girolametto, Wiigs, smyth, Weitzman, Pearce) • Some children are at risk for continuing expressive language delay to age three (Rescorla, Roberts).
How can I know if my child is a late-talker or a language-delayed child? • Late-talkers appear late in language development for no apparent reason. The child is simply a late-bloomer. • A language delay can occur due to many different factors (e.g. smoking—including second-hand smoke, drinking, consumption of caffeine during pregnancy). These usually play a part in causing language delays (Bernstein, Tigerman-Farber, 2002).
When should I seek therapy for my child? • Parents should seek therapy as soon as possible. Early intervention is best! • Late-talkers usually catch up at around three years of age, but you can never be too sure. As soon as you notice a problem, take your child to a speech pathologist. Let them make the decision.
That’s All Folks! Hope you enjoyed the show!!!