Language Development

This comprehensive guide to childhood language development tackles the critical reality that while most children acquire language naturally, approximately 10% face significant challenges. The book brings together an international team of researchers to present new analyses of data, focusing on the profound consequences that early language difficulties can have on literacy, social skills, educational outcomes, and even future employment. It moves beyond simple milestones to explore the complex interplay of factors that can disrupt the typical path of language acquisition in the preschool years.

What makes this work distinctive is its data-driven, international perspective, offering a synthesized view of language development and its disorders that is both rigorous and accessible. It is an essential resource for educators, speech-language pathologists, and parents seeking to understand the science behind language delays and their long-term impact on a child's academic and social-emotional well-being. By connecting early intervention to lifelong outcomes, this book provides a crucial evidence base for supporting the children who struggle most.