Language development and behaviour problems in toddlers indicated to have a developmental language disorder
Bernadette A M Vermeij1, Carin H Wiefferink1, Ron H J Scholte2,3,4
1Dutch Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child (NSDSK), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
|September 2, 2021
Summary
Improvements in language skills did not reduce behavioral issues in toddlers with developmental language disorder (DLD). Early intervention for DLD should address both language and behavioral problems concurrently.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Developmental language disorder (DLD) in early childhood is linked to behavioral problems.
- The relationship between changes in language proficiency and behavioral issues in DLD is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if changes in language proficiency correlate with changes in behavioral problems among toddlers diagnosed with DLD.
- To analyze the impact of language improvement on internalizing and externalizing behaviors in this population.
Main Methods:
- 185 toddlers with DLD (mean age 38 months) were assessed at two time points.
- Routine Outcome Monitoring captured language (receptive/expressive) and behavior (internalizing/externalizing) scores.
- The Reliable Change Index identified children with significant language improvements.
Main Results:
- Most toddlers showed improvement only in expressive vocabulary (63%); others had limited gains in receptive syntax, receptive vocabulary, and expressive syntax (≤30%).
- Behavior problems were noted in 17% (internalizing) and 23% (externalizing) of participants.
- No significant link was found between changes in language proficiency and subsequent changes in behavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral problems in toddlers with DLD often co-occur with language difficulties.
- Improved language proficiency does not automatically resolve behavioral issues.
- Interventions for DLD should integrate strategies for both language and behavioral concerns.
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