Language delay
What is language delay?
What might it look like if my child has a language delay?
Top tips for supporting children with language delay
- The term language delay may be used when your child’s language is developing at a slower rate compared to other children of the same age. This means that your child may not meet the developmental language milestones for their age.
- A child can be delayed in their understanding of language, their use of language, or both.
What might it look like if my child has a language delay?
- Failure to reach language milestones (e.g. not talking by 2)
- Difficulties pronouncing words or making speech sounds
- Difficulties following directions
- Reduced vocabulary and using short sentences
Top tips for supporting children with language delay
- Talk to your child throughout the day. Comment on what they are doing / playing with
- Create some 1:1 time to play and interact with your child each day (5 minutes is enough!)
- Respond to your child’s communication
- Be a good language model (e.g. child: points to biscuit, parent : “you want biscuit)
- Use plenty of visual support when communicating with your child (pictures, gesture, facial expression, signs, etc.)