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A prospective longitudinal study of language development in late talkers
S E Weismer1, J Murray-Branch, J F Miller
1Waisman Center on Mental Retardation and Human Development, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|August 1, 1994
Summary
This study tracked toddler language development, identifying three profiles in children with typical development and those with late expressive language onset. Findings offer insights into early language acquisition and predictors for late talkers.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Linguistics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Early language development is crucial for cognitive growth.
- Identifying children with language delays early can improve outcomes.
- Understanding developmental trajectories aids in early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To chart cognitive and language development in toddlers.
- To compare typically developing (TD) toddlers with late talkers (LT).
- To identify developmental profiles and predictors for LT subjects.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal investigation over 21 months.
- Assessments at 3-month intervals.
- Comparison of TD and LT toddlers (mean age 13-34 months).
Main Results:
- Three distinct developmental profiles were identified.
- Analysis of prospective data (12 months) and follow-up data (9 months).
- Evaluation of predictors for expressive language outcomes in LT subjects.
Conclusions:
- Distinct developmental pathways exist for toddlers with varying language acquisition rates.
- Early language assessment can reveal different developmental trajectories.
- Predictors for expressive language outcomes in late talkers were identified.