Language and Literacy Corner

Language Delay vs. Language Disorder

Language is an essential element of school success. It directs cognition and behavior, provides an individual with emotional control, assists with complex learning and regulates social interactions. Language is the basis for all academic skills and is the foundation for literacy development. Age-appropriate language allows a child to develop grade-level reading. How do you know when your child/student is developing language at an appropriate pace vs. when they present delays or even exhibit a language disorder?

• Typically developing children require no additional support to perform within normal limits
• Language-delayed students may need some environmental modifications, such as a language-focused preschool with more peer interaction, and language therapy, but will develop language in a typical trajectory
• Language–disordered children will not learn in a typical fashion. These students will learn at a slower pace and in an atypical developmental order. They will need significant supports to gain the language skills needed for academic gain

For more information on language delay vs. language disorder, check out these resources:

Special Education Guide

https://www.specialeducationguide.com/blog/language-delay-versus-language-disorder/

American Speech-Language Hearing Association

https:/?www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LateBlooming.htm