What is Late Language Emergence?

Late Language Emergence (LLE), often referred to as “late talkers” or “late language learners”, is a delay in the onset of language with no other developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities in other domains. There are two types of LLE: expressive language delays only and mixed receptive-expressive delays. While expressive language delays are more prevalent, language comprehension delays are only present in the mixed receptive-expressive type. Prevalence estimates of LLE in 2-year-old children range between 10% and 20%, but approximately 50%–70% of these children catch up to their peers and show normal language development by late preschool or school age.

Children with LLE are at risk for other literacy or language difficulties such as:

• Social communication disorder

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Intellectual disability

• Learning disability

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  
  

Late bloomers are children with LLE who, over time, catch up to their peers. Initially, it's challenging to distinguish them from children with LLE who remain delayed. However, some early signs may help differentiate them. For instance, late bloomers often use more communicative gestures to compensate for limited oral expressive vocabularies and are less likely to have language comprehension delays.

Signs and Symptoms of LLE

• Expressive vocabulary of fewer than 50 words

• No two-word combinations by 24 months of age

• Less complex syllable structures

• Lower percentage of consonants correct

• Smaller consonant and vowel inventories

• Delayed comprehension and use of symbolic gestures for communication

• Shorter and less grammatically complex utterances, especially in toddlers with both expressive and receptive delays

• Comprehension of fewer words

• Delays and differences in babbling before the age of 2

  
  

Risk Factors for LLE

Child and family factors that increase the risk for Late Language Emergence (LLE) include:

• Gender: Boys are at higher risk than girls

• Birth status: Children born before 37 weeks gestation or weighing less than 85% of their optimal birth weight

• Delayed motor development in the absence of motor disorders or syndromes

• Language abilities at 12 months of age, which are strong predictors of communication skills at 2 years

• Presence of siblings

• Lower maternal education and lower socioeconomic status (SES) of the family

• Infant exposure to certain types of screen media, which is associated with lower language scores

  
  

Protective Factors for LLE

While there are risk factors for Late Language Emergence (LLE), several protective factors can help reduce the risk of developing later language and learning problems. These include:

• Access to pre-, peri-, and postnatal care

• Reading and sharing books with infants daily

• Providing informal play opportunities

• Primary care in childcare centers compared to other forms of care

• Learning opportunities, such as:

  • Exposure to rich and varied vocabulary, syntax, and discourse patterns

  • Responsive learning environments sensitive to cultural and linguistic backgrounds

  • Access to printed materials

  • Involvement in structured and unstructured play interactions and conversations

  • Engagement in gross and fine motor activities

  • Access to communication supports and services as needed

    
    

Early identification and intervention can significantly reduce the impact of risk factors for Late Language Emergence (LLE). These services can range from indirect to direct interventions. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role in directly treating toddlers and preschoolers, addressing current problems, and potentially preventing future difficulties.

For further reading, check out the article "Late Language Emergence" on the ASHA website.

Late language emergence - ASHA. Late Language Emergence. (n.d.). https://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Late-Language-Emergence/