​

“Late talkers” may present with expressive language (production) delays and/or receptive language (comprehension) delays. Children with expressive delays demonstrate slow development of vocabulary, sentence structure, and articulation. Those with receptive language delays exhibit difficulty with following directions, and with understanding age-appropriate vocabulary. In making the determination of language delay in toddlers to school-aged children, it is also important to consider other language development factors, including rate of vocabulary growth, speech sound development, emerging grammar, language comprehension, social language skills, use of gestures, and symbolic play behaviors. 

​

Late talkers may be at risk for developing language and/or literacy difficulties as they age. Additionally, language difficulties are much less likely to resolve with the passage of time once a child is of school age. Scientific evidence shows that children who receive proper treatment from a Speech-Language Pathologist fair better than those who do not. 

​

Language Delay may also be an early or secondary sign of disorders, such as specific language impairment, social communication disorder, autism spectrum disorder, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, or other developmental disorders. In order to make a differential diagnosis, it is critical to consult your paediatrician and Registered Speech-Language Pathologist to help monitor the global development of a child in domains that include, but are not limited to, cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor skills.

​

What does Language Intervention look like? 

​

As the method of language intervention may be very diverse for each client, Andrea will tailor the assessment and provide client-centered treatment, including:

• Educating family members about the importance of early communication development and intervention and the family's role in their child's communication development (See ‘Areas of Expertise’ for Andrea’s training in the ‘Hanen’ Parent Training program);

• Counseling families of late talkers regarding communication-related issues and providing education aimed at preventing further language delay;

• Conducting a comprehensive, culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment of language and communication;

• Diagnosing the presence of a language disorder;

• Referring to other professionals to rule out other conditions, determine etiology, and facilitate access to comprehensive services;

• Developing treatment plans, providing direct and indirect treatment, documenting progress, and determining appropriate dismissal criteria;

• Consulting and collaborating with other professionals, family members, and caregivers to facilitate program development and to provide supervision and evaluation, as appropriate.

​

When should I contact a Speech Therapist? 

​

Contacting a speech therapist is advised when any of the following difficulties are noted:

• Fewer than 20 words by 18 months of age

• Fewer than 50 words, and no two-word combinations by 24 months of age (Paul, 1991; Rescorla, 1989)

• Use of shorter and less grammatically complex utterances

• Comprehension of fewer words

​

Contact Andrea Lau at Speech Vancouver if you have any concerns regarding your child's language development. 

 

For more information on how Speech Vancouver can help, please phone 604 723 9589 or email: andrealau.slp@gmail.com