Children all learn language in the same way, but not always at the same time. Some children talk early and understand everything you say. Others do not talk much or have trouble listening. Your child or student may have problems following directions or understanding questions. He or she may have trouble learning new words or saying sentences. Children can have problems with both. This is a language disorder. Your child or student may also have trouble saying sounds clearly. This is a speech sound disorder.
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Signs of Preschool Language Delay
Some children have problems understanding, this would be a problem with receptive language. They may have trouble:
Understanding what people mean when they use gestures, like shrugging or nodding
Following directions
Answering questions
Pointing to objects and pictures
Knowing how to take turns when talking with others
Some children have problems talking, this would be a problem with expressive language. They may have trouble:
Asking questions
Naming objects
Using gestures
Putting words together into sentences
Learning songs and rhymes
Using correct pronouns, like "he" or "they"
Knowing how to start a conversation and keep it going
Changing how they talk to different people and in different places. For example, you speak differently to an adult than a young child. You can talk louder outside than inside.
Causes of Preschool Language Delay
Some possible reasons for a delay in language:
Heredity
Being born early
Low birth weight
Hearing loss
Autism
Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Brain injury
Cerebral palsy
Poor nutrition
Failure to thrive
If you feel your preschool student or child may be showing a language delay or disorder contact your schools Speech-Language Pathologist for guidance.
Tips to Help Promote Preschool Language Growth
Talk a lot to your child. This will help your child learn new words.
Read to your child every day. Point out words you see.
Point to signs in the grocery store, at school, and outside.
Listen and answer when your child talks.
Get your child to ask you questions.
Give your child time to answer questions.
Set time limits for watching TV and using computers. Use the time for talking and reading together.
