2. Late Talkers – Early Language Development
Language development is a process starting early in human life and is an important skill that
allows us to communicate. Infants start without knowing a language, yet by 10 months, babies
can distinguish speech sounds and engage in babbling.
Typically, children develop internal processing and understanding of language, before their
verbal or expressive language develops. As receptive language continues to increase, expressive
language begins to slowly develop. Some children may not develop speech and language skills at
the expected rate and are often referred to as ‘late talkers’.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a late talker, you may be wondering how to hep him or her
move forward in this area of development. In this post, we will delve further into language
development and a few fun and easy ways you can enjoy communicating with your child.
3. How and Why Children Communicate
Communication isn’t just about talking. Whenever two people send messages of any kind to
each other – even without words- they are communicating. For example, babies communicate
through crying, smiling, making sounds, moving their bodies or reaching for something.
As they grow, children begin to let you know what’s on their minds in similar ways whether it be
through gestures, facial expression, speech or signs.
Even before they use words, children communicate for many different reasons: to tell you what
they want or don’t want, to get your attention, to ask questions, or to make comments.
4. Supporting Language Development
You’ve already started. Children don’t learn to talk all by themselves. They learn to communicate gradually
as they spend time with the important people in their lives. Learning more about how and why your child
communicates will help you see and hear the messages he/she sends you- even the ones that aren’t so
obvious.
Whether they are still discovering language (reacting to what is happening around them but not
communicating with a specific purpose in mind), communicating specific messages without using words,
using single spoken words (or signs or pictures), or combining words into sentences, being aware of how
child communicates will help support your interactions and progress through the stages.
When you and your child are communicating back and forth, with or without words, you are taking part in
an interaction. The best way to encourage your child to communicate is to let them start more interactions
with you. Instead of leading or directing the interaction yourself, let your child lead.
By letting your child lead and responding with interest to what they are telling you, they will want to
communicate with you even more.
5. Tips For letting Your Child Lead
• Get face to face: whenever you can, make it easy for your child to look right into
your eyes
• Observe, Wait and Listen: this will give your child a chance to start and
interaction and open up opportunities for more back-and-forth interactions –
you may discover that your child is communicating more than you realised.
• Create opportunities: instead of rushing to give your child something you know
they’ll want, create an opportunity for them to ask for it – place a favourite
object out of reach… then wait, offer a little bit…then wait, offer a choice… then
wait.
• Interpret: interpreting your child’s message is a powerful was of way of letting
them know that you are listening and trying to understand. Put into words what
you think they are trying to tell you. Copy and exaggerate actions, facial
expressions, sounds and words that they use. Use ‘real’ talk and avoid the use of
‘baby talk’.
6. Ways To Promote Language Development
• Talk, talk, talk!
• Read: books are a very powerful way to explore and develop language
• Enjoy music together
• Don’t underestimate the power of play
• Use routines: explore your child’s surroundings and talk about what is happening during
everyday activities (e.g. bath time)
7. Closing
Children with communication difficulties, or ‘late talkers’, progress through the same stages as
other children, but more slowly. Encouraging language development can be fun and easy to
incorporate into your existing routines. Be open to interacting with your child in new ways,
observing gestures and facial expressions carefully and following his or her lead.
8. What To Do Now…
If you are worried about the speech and language development of an important young child in
your life, give us a call at Generation Physio, we have a friendly team of professionals that are
dedicated to changing the lives of our clients.
All of our clinicians are mobile and come to your own home to conduct an examination. Give us
a call on 1300 122 884 to book a consultation today.
9. Article written by Jessarna Jones
Speech and Language Pathologist – North Brisbane
Jessarna (or Jess for short) graduated from Southern
Cross University (Gold Coast) with a Bachelor of Speech
Pathology.
Originally from Thursday Island, she has lived in many
communities across Queensland, currently residing in
Far North Brisbane. Jess became a Speech Pathologist as
she is passionate about helping people and loves
watching her clients reach their goals.
