Late-Talkers vs. Language Delays

1
Late-Talkers vs. Language Delays

• How can we tell the difference?

2
Late-TalkerA 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

3
Language DelayA 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.

4
Developmental Language MilestonesNote Every
child develops differently!!! If your child is a
couple of months off, then dont 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).

5
Characteristics of Late-Talkers and Language
DelaysNote Characteristics are the same for
both.

• Childs onset of babbling may be much later than
  that of a normal developing child.
• Childs speech may be limited to very few words
  when he/she should be using more words.
• Childs use of speech and language may resemble
  that of a normal developing younger child.

6
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).

7
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. smokingincluding second-hand
  smoke, drinking, consumption of caffeine during
  pregnancy). These usually play a part in causing
  language delays (Bernstein, Tigerman-Farber,
  2002).

8
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.

9
Thats All Folks!

• Hope you enjoyed the show!!!