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Language delay
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<p>A language delay is a <a href="/facts/Language_disorder/3L2TPjhz">language disorder</a> in which a <a href="/facts/Children/GGe19I8d">child</a> fails to develop <a href="/facts/Language/IRcTok2q">language</a> abilities at the usual <a href="/facts/Age-appropriate/axPzlxv6">age-appropriate</a> period in their <a href="/facts/Developmental_timetable/fgV0uCGC">developmental timetable</a>. It is most commonly seen in children ages two to seven years-old and can continue into adulthood. The reported prevalence of language delay ranges from 2.3 to 19 percent. </p><p>Language delays are distinct from <a href="/facts/Speech_delay/w3rrkFBI">speech delays</a>, in which the development of the <a href="/facts/Manner_of_articulation/HxyCqDQC">mechanical and motor aspects of speech production</a> are delayed. Many tend to confuse language delay with speech delay or even just <a href="/facts/Late_talker/a8lNYLnU">late talker</a>. All of these have different telltale signs and determining factors. <a href="/facts/Speech_delay/w3rrkFBI">Speech delay</a> seems to be more similar to late talker compared to language delay. <a href="/facts/Speech/WEelhfTs">Speech</a> is the verbal motor production of language, while language is a means of communication. Because language and speech are independent, they may be individually delayed. For example, a child may be delayed in speech (i.e., unable to produce intelligible speech sounds), but not delayed in language because they use a Sign Language. Additionally, language delay encompasses the entirety of language developmental progress being slowed and not just the speech aspects. </p><p>Language delays are recognized by comparing language development of children to recognized developmental milestones. They are presented in a variety of ways, as every individual child has a unique set of language skills and <a href="/facts/Deficiencies_of_the_mind/IuuYXdT1">deficiencies</a> that are identifiable through many different screenings and tools. There are different causes leading to language delay; it is often a result of another <a href="/facts/Developmental_disorder/apNTmdtA">developmental disorder</a> and treatment requires analysis of the unique individual causes. The condition is frequently observed early on, among two- and three-year-olds. Early language delays are only considered risk-factors in leading to more severe language disorders. </p>