The following information was supplied by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

What is delayed language?

The first five years of a child's life are crucial for language development. Language involves thought processes, grammar, meaning, memory and words. Parents, relatives and friends play an important part in encouraging language development. 

Delayed language in children can be:

a) Developmental delay - not achieved at the expected time

OR

b) Acquired delay - through injury or illness

Either of these may result in:

• difficulty in understanding speech 
• difficulty in thinking of words
• difficulty in putting words together into sentences
• difficulty with grammar
• difficulty in saying sounds and /or words
• reading and writing difficulties

There are several support methods to consider when assisting a person with delayed language however.

How to help

When supporting a person with delayed language difficulties consider the following simple support methods:

• encourage the individual to get their message across in whatever way they can, such as by pointing, using gestures, as well as with speech
• encourage the individual to talk about everyday things
• ask for a hearing test if you are concerned about the person’s understanding
• get the individual’s full attention when talking to them, and give yours
• show interest in what the person says
• contact a registered speech and language therapist if you are worried about the individual’s language development

What not to do

There are also several factors to recognise and avoid when supporting the individual:

• avoid correcting pronunciation. It is more important for an individual to learn words and start forming sentences than to pronounce everything correctly
• don’t show obvious concern about communication as this can cause anxiety in the individual

Support organisations 

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Afasic
• British Dyslexia Association
• Dyspraxia Trust