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Delayed Language Development in Toddlers

Language delays in a toddler may indicate a temporary "speed bump" in the developmental pathway or a major obstacle. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), although we can predict milestones of language development, environmental and innate factors prevent us from predicting exactly when an individual toddler will reach them. Carefully observing your toddler's listening and speaking skills can greatly assist a professional in diagnosing your toddler's situation.

  1. Missed Milestones

    • Be aware of language milestones that your toddler may have missed. According to the University of Michigan Health System, by age two, a toddler should speak in two-word sentences, express needs through words such as "more," and comprehend the word "no." Between the ages of two and three, a typical toddler uses the pronoun "me," develops a vocabulary of about 450 words, uses subjects and verbs in short sentences, and enjoys hearing favorite stories repeatedly.

    Causes

    • According to the University of Michigan Health System, first have your toddler's hearing checked to detect a possible hearing loss. Language delays may also result from complications of premature birth, cognitive disabilities, autism, neurological problems and cleft palates. In addition, environmental factors, such as neglect, may play a part. ASHA notes other external factors: the quality and quantity of language a toddler hears and the positive or negative responses a toddler receives when communicating.

    Risk Factors

    • Certain warning signs may indicate that late-talking toddlers, despite normal IQs, will continue to have language problems, according to ASHA. Language problems for toddlers lacking normal receptive language (not understanding what they hear) often persist, whereas late bloomers with these receptive skills tend to outgrow the problem. Also, toddlers who use more gestures tend to develop more age-appropriate language skills. Early diagnosis of the language delay can improve the toddler's chance for improvement.

    Seeking Help

    • If you suspect a language delay, seek help as soon as possible---before your toddler begins to speak, according to the University of Michigan Health System. A pediatrician, audiologist or speech-language pathologist can begin the process of evaluation and treatment. ASHA explains that a speech-language pathologist can test the toddler's speech and understanding, analyze the causes of the delay and advise parents about treatment, including language stimulation or a more formal program of early intervention.

    Stimulating Development

    • The University of Michigan Health System offers suggestions for stimulating toddlers' language development: Listen attentively, maintain eye contact when they talk and allow ample time for them to respond. Provide a verbal description of their activities and elaborate upon their speech. For example, if the child says, "apple," respond with "Do you want to eat an apple with your lunch?" Expand their language experiences through reading, looking at family photographs, singing, gesturing and going on family outings.

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