Language Delay: What is the Prognosis of Late Bloomers?

Abstract

30-50% of late talkers catch-up their language delay during the third year of life. So far it is unclear whether this is a permanent or an illusionary recovery. The aim of the study was to examine the further language development of late bloomers. Language skills of 83 three-year-old children (16 late bloomers [LB], 29 late talkers [LT] with persistent language problems, 38 Non-LT) were assessed with a standardized language test. Before school entry formal language skills, expressive and receptive vocabulary and precursors of written language (verbal memory, phonological awareness, verbal information-processing speed) were assessed. At follow-up before school entry LB scored below Non-LT on phonological memory test. 31% of the LB in contrast to 3% of the Non-LT had slight language problems. 38% had received speech-language therapy. Nevertheless, no LB met the criteria of developmental language disorder. The language skills of LT with persistent language problems remained significantly below the level of LB and Non-LT. Every fourth of these children was language impaired. LB as a group are not at risk for later clinically relevant language disorders. However, their language abilities are often within the lower range of normal variation. Therefore, it is recommended to facilitate their language acquisition either by kindergarten training programs or by parent-directed intervention programs to provide a more stimulating environment.