What is Language Development?
A Clearer Understanding—Not Just More Guesswork
Language is how we connect. It’s not just about words—it’s how children share their thoughts, respond to others, and make sense of the world around them. Some children start talking early. Others take a little longer—or may communicate in ways that don’t follow expected developmental patterns.
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If your child isn’t meeting communication milestones, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means we want to understand more—so we can support their growth with care, clarity, and confidence.
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Want to see what’s typical by age? The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has a helpful chart here.
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How We Evaluate Language
As part of a comprehensive psychological evaluation, we take a thoughtful look at:
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How your child understands and uses language
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How their language skills connect with thinking, attention, and social development
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Patterns in how they express themselves, interact, and respond
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We don’t assess oral-motor strength or speech sound production in depth—that requires a separate speech-language evaluation. However, if we observe signs of difficulty with speech sounds, motor planning, or language development, we may recommend follow-up with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This might include:
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Further testing
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Direct therapy
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Parent coaching
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Support choosing tools like AAC
This evaluation helps provides a snapshot of your child’s communication style and, when needed, opens the door to additional support
Gestalt Language Processing
Some children learn language in chunks or scripts, rather than word-by-word. For example, a child might say, “Time to go night-night!” when they want comfort—not because it’s bedtime, but because they’ve heard it before in that context.
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This is called gestalt language processing. It’s common in autistic children, though not exclusive to autism. Over time, children move from using scripts to combining words in flexible ways. But some may need support transitioning from memorized language to more original, creative speech.
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Gestalt language learning is not a problem—but if children are getting “stuck” at the scripting stage or have trouble being understood, speech therapy with a specialist trained in gestalt processing may help.
What Else Could Be Going On?
Articulation Disorders (Speech Sound Differences)
Some children struggle to make certain sounds clearly. This is called an articulation disorder, and it’s a type of speech sound disorder. Common signs include:
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Difficulty being understood, especially by unfamiliar listeners
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Substituting or omitting sounds (“tat” for “cat”)
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Frustration when others don’t understand them
An SLP can determine whether these patterns are part of expected development or whether therapy would be helpful.
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia is a motor planning difficulty that makes it hard for a child to coordinate the muscle movements needed to speak. It’s not a muscle weakness, but children with apraxia may also show other signs of motor difficulty.
Children with apraxia often:
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Know what they want to say but struggle to say it
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Show inconsistent errors (saying the same word differently each time)
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Have trouble imitating or sequencing sounds
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May have limited speech despite strong understanding
A diagnosis of apraxia should come from a specialist SLP with expertise in motor speech disorders. It is different from a phonological disorder, which involves patterns in how sounds are organized, rather than how they're physically produced.
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
This condition affects how children use language in social situations—such as taking turns in conversation, knowing what’s appropriate to say, and shifting tone or topic. It can look similar to autism, but without the additional differences in sensory processing or behavior patterns.
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Some children who initially show signs of social communication challenges may go on to meet criteria for autism, especially if especially if traits such as strong interests, a need for predictability, or sensory sensitivities become more apparent over time.
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If you’re unsure what’s going on, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your child’s unique strengths and needs.
Sign Language, AAC, and Other Supports
When a child has limited spoken language, we want to make sure they have a way to express themselves. This could include:
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Sign language
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AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)—like communication apps or devices
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Picture boards or gesture systems
Sign language can be a powerful tool, especially for young children. But for some, it may not be the most accessible long-term option if they have:
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Fine motor challenges that make signs hard to produce
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Difficulty using or remembering signs consistently
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Environments where communication partners don’t understand sign
In these cases, AAC may provide more reliable access to communication—and it can be used alongside speech and sign.
What About Bilingualism?
If your child is learning more than one language and shows signs of a language delay, families often wonder: Should we keep both languages?
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Yes. Research shows that bilingual children do not fall behind simply because they are learning two languages. In fact, continuing to speak your home language:
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Strengthens family bonds
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Supports cultural identity
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May improve long-term language and cognitive outcomes
Language delays or disorders can exist in one or both languages—but stopping exposure to a language usually makes it harder, not easier, for your child to communicate.
What Supports Are Available?
Public school districts
Public school districts can evaluate children starting at age 2 years, 9 months, and provide free speech services when delays affect learning. These services are available once your child turns 3. Schools only provide services that are educationally necessary.
Private therapy
Private therapy may be helpful even if your child doesn’t qualify for school services or if you want more personalized support or family involvement.
Regional Centers
In California, Regional Centers serve children under age 3 with suspected developmental differences. You can learn more and start a referral here.
Are There Good Shows for Language Development?
Yes—when used interactively, some media can support language growth. Look for shows that:
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Use repetition and slow pacing
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Encourage labeling, gestures, or singing along
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Are designed for caregiver interaction
Examples:
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Ms. Rachel
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Bluey
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Word World
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Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
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Sesame Street
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Mother Goose Club
Screen time isn’t a substitute for real interaction—but used mindfully, it can support what you’re already doing.