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Published on: January 23, 2017

Problem behaviors of low-income children with language delays: an observation study

Cathy Huaqing Qi1, Ann P Kaiser

  • 1Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. cqi@wcupa.edu

Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|June 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with language delays in low-income families show more behavioral issues and weaker social skills. Early identification of these developmental challenges is key for effective early intervention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Early Childhood Education

Background:

  • Children from low-income backgrounds face higher risks for behavioral and language impairments.
  • Early detection of these issues is critical for successful intervention outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the behavioral profiles of preschool children from low-income families.
  • To compare behavioral characteristics between children with and without language delays.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized multiple behavioral assessments including teacher-reported Child Behavior Checklist/Caregiver-Teacher Report Form/2-5 (CTRF) and Social Skills Rating System (SSRS).
  • Conducted classroom observations during structured and unstructured activities for sixty 3- and 4-year-old children in Head Start programs.
  • Compared 32 children with language delays against 28 children with typical language development.

Main Results:

  • Children with language delays demonstrated increased problem behaviors compared to peers with typical language development.
  • Poorer social skills were observed in children with language delays on some measures.
  • Not all behavioral differences between groups reached statistical significance across all assessment types.

Conclusions:

  • Language delays in low-income preschoolers are associated with specific behavioral and social skill deficits.
  • Findings underscore the importance of comprehensive behavioral and language assessments in early childhood.
  • Further research is needed to explore the nuances of behavioral profiles in relation to language development.

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