Language Delay

last authored: Oct 2009, David LaPierre

Introduction

The Case of...

Differential Diagnosis

Hearing impairment - can be slight or profound. Language may seem normal until 6 months, but then regress due to lack of feedback. Risk factors include:

family history
genetic syndromes
TORCH infections
craniofacial abnormalities
<1500g birthweight
hyperbilirubinemia or kernicterus
asphyxia
low APGAR scores
bacterial meningitis
viral encephalitis

Global developmental delay will affect both expressive and receptive language, though the child will be interested in communicating.

Pervasive developmental disorder (ie autism) will lead to poor social interaction as well, along with stereotypical behaviours.

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, normally beginning around age 5, in which children will speak only in certain situations. These children ofen have above-average intelligence.

Landau-Kleffner syndrome, or acquired epileptic aphasia, is the sudden regression of language at ages 3-6 following normal language development. It may be similar to autism, though EEG changes are also often seen, along with overt seizure activity.

Mechanical problems include cleft palate or cranial nerve palsy.

Social deprivation will also lead to laguage delay.

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