Language Delay

What is language delay?

Language delay is defined as a late onset or delayed development of language compared to other children of the same age. The normal age at which children begin to say their first words is between 12 and 18 months of age. However, in children with language problems, words often appear later than 18 months. The most affected area is usually the area of expression, on the other hand, they usually understand what is said to them, so the area of comprehension is more developed.

For the diagnosis of this pathology, it is necessary to carry out a study, since other causes such as a pervasive developmental disorder, hearing difficulties or neurological disorders must be excluded.

Prognosis of the disease

Language delay may slow the development of learning. Therefore, if not treated in time, it can also affect the child’s performance at school. The best option is to consult a specialist and get tested.

The child’s parents or teachers are often the first to notice this condition.

Symptoms of language delay

Children suffering from this pathology start speaking later and may not be able to say a word until they are two years old.

At eighteen months:

  • Does not say any syllables.
  • Does not make consonant sounds.
  • Uses only vowels.
  • Does not point to objects when asked about them.
  • Does not show intention to communicate, not even through gestures.
  • Does not understand simple commands.

At 2 years of age

  • Speaks only by repeating what he hears.
  • What he says is not understood.

At 3 years of age

  • Confuses consonants, interchanging them in a word.
  • Does not use personal pronouns (I, you, he, he…).
  • Does not construct plurals.

At 4 years of age

  • Mispronounces consonants.
  • Sounds sound nasal.
  • Does not conjugate verbs.

Medical tests for language delay

The child’s parents or teachers are usually the first to notice this condition. However, the diagnosis must be made by speech professionals, based on tests performed by health experts who are trained to evaluate and treat children with this type of problem.

The doctor may conduct a questionnaire and interact with the child in a different way to obtain more information about the child’s development. A series of tests may also be done, including a hearing test, so that a referral to a speech and language therapist can be made if there is a problem.

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What are the causes of language delay?

There are several factors that can cause this type of pathology. Some of them may be related to the phonatory apparatus, alterations in the tongue or palate and it may be that the frenulum is too short, which limits the tongue movements and affects the production of sounds. There may also be hereditary factors, brain lesions caused during gestation, at birth or at an early age. In bilingual families it is also possible for children to suffer from this type of pathology.

Early diagnosis is important, as the most optimal treatment for the patient can be used. In some cases, only the guidance of a specialist may be sufficient.

Can it be prevented?

Language delay can be prevented by seeing a speech therapist if there is a history and/or risk of a language problem. In addition, it is necessary to avoid situations that may generate anxiety and to take care of the speech pattern of those closest to the patient. You can also encourage communication and give importance to the content rather than the way you say it.

Treatments for language delay

Treatment consists of re-stimulation of the language processes that have been altered. Treatments must always be carried out by experts in language pathologies, such as speech therapists. Language delay is a pathology that is treated through language rehabilitation methods. In this case, medical treatments would be indicated to treat associated pathologies that can aggravate the linguistic picture such as hypoacusis and hypoacusis due to serous otitis, chronic otitis… since any audiological affectation has a direct influence on the development of language. Depending on the child, a personalized intervention plan must be made, i.e., strengths and weaknesses must be identified and goals set accordingly. As a general rule, the key is to increase verbal and non-verbal communication and to teach language habits.

Some of the exercises include:

  • Games to identify written phonemes
  • Exercises to reproduce onomatopoeias.
  • Word completion games
  • Working with semantic families
  • Associating words with sounds

What specialist treats it?

The expert who treats this pathology is the speech-language pathologist, a specialist in language disorders, who is in charge of detecting, evaluating, diagnosing and treating language-related disorders.