Delayed central language development is a communication disorder in which the delay may involve a combination of hearing, speech, and cognitive impairments.
Delayed central language development is very common, seen in 5% to 10% of preschoolers, and manifests itself in the following ways:
Failure to babble at 15 months of age; failure to speak by 2 years of age; inability to say short sentences by 3 years of age; difficulty following directions; poor articulation or pronunciation; difficulty combining words into a sentence, etc.
Not all delays in the development of the speech center will present with the above symptoms. If diagnosed with speech delay, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible, as early treatment can help prevent the development of other problems such as social, learning and emotional problems. It is recommended that patients seek prompt medical attention.