Language Delay

Language delay occurs when children fail to develop language abilities of a specific language (or all languages in general) in their age-appropriate timeline. Language delay usually results in speech delay because the child does not yet understand what is said to him or her, or the child has not learned to use words to communicate. Some children with language delay also struggle in other areas, such as cognitive and emotional development. They tend to have poor reading and writing skills. Causes of language delay include slower development, deafness, and intellectual disability. Other developmental disorders like autism and mutism also result in delayed language development. Lack of exposure to communicative situations and constant television time will also lead to a delay in a child’s language development. Parents should teach their children to communicate as early as possible and limit television time so their children do not lag behind. Medical consultation may be necessary in extreme cases.