[Early diagnosis of language disorders]

Talking is normal and not talking is not. In case of developmental language delay, "wait and see" is not a good medical practice. In many cases, this delay is secondary to conditions such as hearing loss, mental retardation, brain damage, pervasive developmental disorder, environmental deprivation... In other cases, it is a specific language delay or a specific language disorder (dysphasia). Specific speech assessment and speech therapy are indicated to prevent behavioural problems, and learning disabilities.