Language development and behaviour problems in toddlers indicated to have a developmental language disorder

Abstract

Background: There is empirical evidence that a developmental language disorder (DLD) in early childhood leads to behaviour problems. However, it is still not clear how changes in language proficiency in these children influence the presence of behaviour problems. Aims:The aim of this study is to examine if changes in language proficiency are related to changes in behaviour problems in toddlers indicated to have DLD.Methods & Procedures: This study included 185 toddlers indicated to have DLD (mean age 38 months at pretest). Scores on receptive and expressive language domains and internalizing and externalizing behaviour were gathered on Wave 1 and Wave 2 using Routine Outcome Monitoring. The Reliable Change Index was used to categorize children into two groups: children improving in receptive and expressive language domains and children not improving.Outcomes & Results: For receptive syntax, receptive vocabulary and expressive syntax, 30% or less of the children improved. Only for expressive vocabulary, most children improved (63%). Behaviour problems were present in 17% (internalizing) and 23% (externalizing) of the children. Changes in language proficiency did not lead to changes in internalizing or externalizing behaviour problems, not for the total sample, nor for children displaying behaviour problems at Wave 1. Conclusions & Implications: Professionals working with toddlers indicated to have DLD need to be aware of the co-occurrence of language problems and behaviour problems, and have to realize that behaviour problems might not immediately decrease when language proficiency improves. If behaviour problems are present in toddlers indicated to have DLD, interventions should not only focus on language, but also on behaviour problems.

Developing Speech Sounds In The Montessori Environment In Children With Disorders Language Development

“…Current definitions describe SSDs as a series of difficulty-producing speech sounds in children that can be caused by various causes limitations related to perception, speech motor, or linguistic processing (or a combination) of known processes (e.g., Down syndrome, cleft lip, and palate) and its origin is unknown [4]. Developmental language disorder (DLD) apparently has a considerable impact on child development [11]. Children with DLD show difficulties in language acquisition and use, resulting in a lack of language skill receptive and expressive [11].…”

“…Developmental language disorder (DLD) apparently has a considerable impact on child development [11]. Children with DLD show difficulties in language acquisition and use, resulting in a lack of language skill receptive and expressive [11]. The results of a meta-analysis show that children with SSD experience difficulties in speech perception [12].…”

“…The results of a meta-analysis show that children with SSD experience difficulties in speech perception [12]. This problem of language development disorders can cause severe problems in everyday life, such as being less likely to be accepted by their peers, tending to have fewer friends, and being bullied more often compared to typically developing children [11]. Apart from that, language development disorders can also inhibit communication between children and their environment.…”

“…The child becomes incapable of expressing oneself clearly or not being understood well, which can cause behavioral problems such as withdrawing or acting out of frustration. Lack of access to language results in fewer opportunities to learn from the environment about emotions and behavior [11]. According to Vermeij et al [11], currently increasing evidence shows that from childhood, children with DLD have an increased risk of behavioral problems.…”

Early Identification of Developmental Language Delay

“…Children with DLD experience more difficulties in daily functioning compared with typically developing children. They have an increased risk for social, emotional, and behavioral problems (Goh et al, 2021; Lindsay et al, 2007; Rieffe & Wiefferink, 2017; Schoon et al, 2010; van Daal et al, 2007; Vermeij et al, 2021). Children with DLD experience lower levels of peer acceptance, have fewer friends, and are more often bullied by their peers (Lindsay et al, 2007; van den Bedem, Dockrell, van Alphen, Kalicharan, et al, 2018; van den Bedem, Willems, et al, 2018).…”