By Professor Cate Taylor
A child's ability to communicate is one of their most important developmental achievements. It builds a foundation for everything that is to come; their personal relationships, their education, their careers and their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that life throws at them.
For the majority of children language development begins between 12 and 24 months of age and typically this will involve three important milestones around that time; understanding the words being spoken to them (around 8 months old), uttering their own first words (around 12 months) and combining 2-3 words in simple sentences (with a 'standard' vocabulary of around 50 words) at the 24 month mark.
Just when these milestones will happen is up to the individual. Some may be earlier, many are 'on track' and others may be delayed. Why we start to speak when we do is still one of life's great mysteries and also the subject of key research programs such as those being conducted by The Kids for Child Health Research through its LOOKing at Language (LAL) program.
What we do know for certain is that a child's first words are some of the most highly anticipated and highly celebrated milestones in early development. But for parents' with a two year old late talker, it can also be a time of worry and uncertainty.
So what does it mean to be a late talker and what should parents do? Let's break it down and look at what the evidence is telling us;
- In medical terms 'late talking' or 'language delay' are used to describe otherwise healthy toddlers who for whatever reason do not meet age expectations when it comes to either understanding the language being spoken to them, or their own language use and ability.
- We still don't know why some children start to talk later, which late talkers will catch-up and which may go on to be diagnosed with language impairment.
- What we do know is that research from The Kids's LOOKing at Language study shows that around 13% of two year olds are late talkers and that boys are known to be three times likely to experience delays than girls.
- Our research also shows that about 1-in-5 late talkers will go on to be diagnosed with impaired language at school age.
- On the positive side we also know that most late talkers do catch up. Our research shows that by seven years of age the majority (80%) of late talkers are back on track and that boys are at no greater risk than girls.
- The guilt-factor; all too often parents will start to blame themselves or their home environment for their child's language delay. Whilst studies do show that children with a family history of late talking are more likely to also be delayed, the research has very clearly dispelled the myth that late talkers are the result of being in a home where children are not spoken to enough or because of some other family inadequacy.
Our LOOKing at Language study, which analysed the speech development of 1766 children in WA from infancy to 7 years, clearly showed that a mother's education, income, parenting style or mental health had no impact on a child's likelihood of being a late talker.
Whilst research programs such as ours continue to delve into the mysteries of why some kids are late talkers and others develop to meet expected language milestones, there is one certainty. What we do know is that it is essential to ask for further advice if you are concerned about your child's talking. Delayed development may simply be a matter of timing but late talking can also mask more serious language impairments that require detailed attention.
Either way, the advice and support provided by a professional speech pathologist will ensure your late talking two year old gets the best help they can in improving their language skills at such a crucial development age.
Parents too can play a key role. There are many simple and enjoyable activities you can do to help with your child's language development and we've included some tips to help you along;
- Children will communicate in many ways. Through body language, gestures, actions and facial expressions. As a parent you can help your child better understand the language associated with these visual expressions by applying words to their movements and emotions.
- Some one-on-one time with your child will give them the best chance to develop and improve their language development. Whether that is talking, playing or reading to them. Having your 100% attention and input can make a world of difference especially when there are other siblings.
- Be patient. All too often we simply don't allow our two year olds the time they need to form their words and have their say. Pause, and give them the time and space for their brains and mouths to sync up. Something every family member can help with.
- Embrace the everyday. Everything we do can be spoken about. A ride in the car, cooking a meal, a visit to the shops. Express the world around you in words to your child and help them to associate the visual with the verbal. Turn it into a game and make it fun.
- Speak to an expert. Above all else do not be afraid to seek advice if your toddler is a late talker. At the very least you will pick up great tips and support to help them develop their language and communicate. As mentioned, for those children who may be masking more serious language impairment early intervention is the key.
If you would like to know more about the LOOKing at Language research and how The Kids is working hand-in-hand with the University of Western Australia and the University of Kansas then please visit our website.
You can also hear more about our most recent twin-based language development study from our program co-leader, Professor Mabel Rice from the University of Kansas here.