What Does Mild Language Delay In Children Mean?

A mild language delay is a less serious difficulty at the beginning of language development. In other words, it is not a long-term problem.

When children do not have a language ability that is appropriate for their age, they are likely to experience a language delay.

The most common reasons for this are that they have become overprotected and have received a lack of stimulation in the home. For example, if the parents always anticipate the child’s wishes so that the child is not motivated to express their wishes out loud.

Even if spoken language is affected, it does not mean that comprehension is affected. On the contrary, a mild language delay indicates that the child understands more than he or she speaks.

What characterizes a mild language delay?

A mild language delay indicates that the language develops more slowly than normal and the child therefore speaks later.

In these cases, the children will say their first words around the age of 2 instead of around the first year. They do not start putting together two words (for example “yellow flower”) until after the 3rd birthday, as this usually happens at about 18 months of age.

It should be noted that because they have a smaller vocabulary, the formation of sentences becomes more difficult. This means that when you ask them something, they answer with very short sentences and are generally very concise.

In the same way, it is obvious that they adopt a passive attitude when it comes to language.

There are some stages where children understand specific phrases, especially those concerning their family. For example: “give me the ball”.

But with more abstract space / time phrases or with sentences that are not very familiar to them (for example: “on a journey”), they will not understand them at an early age.

Causes of mild language delay

• Language delays occur in the family.
• Certain environmental factors: poor or lack of vocabulary in the family environment, lack of stimulation or overprotection.
• Conflicts and domestic violence.

What are the differences between a mild language delay and other language disorders?

According to studies, a specific language disorder called dysphasia is considered a more serious form of mild language delay. Even in this case, language is acquired late, but it does not follow the normal language development.

In particular, comprehension of language is often more affected than with a mild language delay.

However, when experts begin to treat a child with a mild language delay, they often find it difficult to distinguish a disorder from the others.

Therefore, it is important that you quickly consult an expert. Language development and solutions are more effective when treated early.

Things to think about

Some believe that this problem has no major impact on the development of the child’s learning. For the most part, the situation starts to get better on its own after 6 years of age.

In some cases, a mild language delay may also be associated with clumsiness in the form of fine motor coordination, as well as difficulties in distinguishing colors, shapes and temporary spaces.

The best way to deal with these cases of mild language delay is to speak a lot in a clear and unambiguous way – do not be in a hurry when you speak and avoid using children’s language.

In the same way, it is recommended that when you see your child participate in a conversation at, for example, preschool, you respect it and give him or her time to finish it before you go home.

You should try to engage the child in practical and pleasant conversations that are specially adapted to his ability to understand. Finally, it is advisable to read books with pictures as this helps to support the vocabulary.

Also use rhymes, rhymes and children’s songs, which are considered an excellent tool for initiating verbal speech patterns.