Language delay in children in Abu Dhabi
Evaluation and treatment of difficulties in understanding and linguistic expression at AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha
Do you feel that your child hears speech but does not understand instructions well?
Does he use few words or very short sentences for his age?
Does he find it difficult to explain what he wants or express his thoughts?
Does he speak, but his language seems to be lower than that of children of the same age?
Language delay in children is one of the problems that may not appear clearly at first, because the child may be active and intelligent and understand some daily routines, but when interacting or entering nursery or school, difficulty begins to appear: he does not understand instructions, does not know how to answer, cannot form appropriate sentences, or cannot explain what happened to him.
At AHLI Specialists Medical Center in Al Shamkha - Abu Dhabi, we provide specialized evaluation and treatment for language delay in children, within the language and communication disorders service, through a speech and language therapist, with an individual treatment plan that helps the child develop the skills of understanding, expression, and daily communication.
What is language delay in children?
Language delay means that the child does not develop language comprehension or expression skills at the level expected for his age. A child may be able to say some words, but does not use language adequately to communicate, or does not understand what is said to him appropriately.
Language is not just the number of words a child says. Language includes:
So a child may be “speaking,” but still have a language delay if his sentences are short, his understanding is poor, or his ability to express is limited.
The difference between language delay and speech delay
Many parents use the term delayed speech to describe any difficulty in communicating, but there is an important difference:
Speech delay
It is often associated with delayed emergence of words or lack of speech. Example: A child who is old enough to speak, but he does not say enough words or does not start speaking yet.
Language delay
It is associated with understanding, expression and use of language. Example: The child says words, but does not understand the instructions well, does not form appropriate sentences, or cannot express his thoughts.
Speech disorders
They are related to speech clarity and letter output. Example: The child speaks in sentences, but his speech is not clear or he changes letters.
The child may suffer from language delay only, or speech delay only, or difficulty with speech, or from more than one aspect together. Therefore, specialized evaluation helps to know the exact nature of the problem.
Types of language delay in children
Language delay may appear in one or more aspects, and the most important types are:
Receptive language delay
Difficulty understanding speech — May not understand simple instructions, understand questions, or need to repeat words often.
Expressive language delay
Difficulty using language to express — He may understand what is said to him, but cannot respond with an appropriate sentence, or use few words.
Both receptive and expressive language are delayed
Difficulty understanding and expressing at the same time — The child needs a structured treatment plan to support language reception and use.
Signs of language delay in children
Your child may need a speech and language evaluation if you notice one or more of the following signs:
- ● He does not understand daily instructions appropriate for his age
- ● Does not respond to simple questions such as: Where? What? from?
- ● He uses few words compared to children his age
- ● He does not form sentences appropriate for his age
- ● He repeats words without clear understanding sometimes
- ● He cannot ask for what he wants with words
- ● It depends on pointing or crying instead of expressing
- ● He finds it difficult to name objects or actions
- ● He cannot describe what happened to him
- ● Doesn't know how to answer when you ask him a simple question
- ● Uses sentences that are too short or messy
- ● He seems frustrated because he cannot express himself
- ● Does not participate in dialogue or play with words
- ● Has difficulty in kindergarten or school due to understanding or expression
- ● Loses words or language skills that he used previously
The presence of a single sign does not necessarily mean there is a major disorder, but it is reason enough for evaluation if anxiety is persistent or if the child is not making language progress over time.
When should you worry about language delay?
We do not recommend waiting long if the child does not understand well or cannot express in an age-appropriate way. Some children delay a little and then improve, but some need early intervention so that the difficulty does not affect communication, behavior and learning.
Early evaluation does not mean that the child has a serious problem, but it helps parents know whether the child needs therapy sessions, home guidance, or just follow-up.
It is preferable to book an evaluation if the child:
- ✓He does not understand speech as expected for his age
- ✓Doesn't use enough words or sentences
- ✓Doesn't answer simple questions
- ✓He cannot express his needs
- ✓His behavior is affected by the inability to communicate
- ✓Having difficulty in nursery or school
- ✓It does not develop linguistically despite the passage of time
- ✓Losing words or skills he used before
Causes of language delay in children
Language delay may occur for various reasons. Possible causes and factors include:
- Hearing loss or recurrent ear infections
- Lack of daily linguistic interaction with the child
- Excessive use of screens
- A general delay in development
- Having a family history of delayed language or speech
- Difficulties with attention and concentration
- Social communication difficulties
- A multilingual environment needs careful evaluation
- Delay in playing and interaction skills
- Developmental disorders that require multidisciplinary follow-up
- Difficulties in processing or understanding language
- Excessive reliance on meeting the child’s needs without giving him the opportunity to express himself
The goal of the evaluation is not to frighten the parents, but rather to understand the cause or influencing factors, then develop a plan that helps the child progress in a realistic and appropriate way.
Does delayed language mean weak intelligence?
Not necessarily. A child may be smart and curious and understand things through routine, pointing or observation, but have difficulty understanding or using language.
Some children have good abilities in play, construction, or movement, but need language support to be able to express themselves, understand instructions, and communicate with others.
A child's abilities should not be judged solely by his language, and language delay should not be ignored under the pretext that the child “understands everything.” Evaluation helps to know strengths and weaknesses more clearly.
How does language delay affect the child?
Language delay may affect a child's daily life in more than one way, especially if it is not treated early.
Expressing needs
The child may not be able to ask for food, water, a bathroom, sleep, a toy, or help with speech.
Behavior
Sometimes difficult behavior is the result of difficulty communicating — a child who doesn't know how to explain what he wants may become nervous.
Nursery and school
Children need language to understand instructions, participate, answer, and follow activities.
Play and socialize
Difficulty sharing toys, exchanging roles, asking to participate, or explaining his idea to other children.
Self-confidence
When a child feels that others do not understand him, he may become shy or less willing to speak.
Treatment of language delay does not only aim to increase the number of words, but also to improve the child's ability to understand, express, and participate in his daily life.
How is language delay in children evaluated?
At AHLI Specialists Medical Center, treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment from a speech and language therapist. Assessment is done in an age-appropriate manner, often through play, observation, dialogue, pictures, and interactive activities.
- ✓Knowing the history of the child’s development since childhood
- ✓Asking parents about the first words and first sentences
- ✓Assess the child's understanding of words and instructions
- ✓Assess the child's ability to name objects and actions
- ✓Assess the child's use of words and sentences
- ✓Observing the way the child plays and interacts
- ✓Evaluate his ability to answer questions
- ✓Evaluate his use of sign and nonverbal communication
- ✓Notice eye contact and attention
- ✓Assess speech clarity when needed
- ✓Know the impact of the difficulty on the home, nursery or school
- ✓Recommend hearing screening if appropriate
- ✓Determine whether the problem is in understanding, expression, or both
After the evaluation, the results are explained to the parents in clear language, specifying the child’s current level, strengths, weaknesses, and the appropriate treatment plan.
Steps to treat language delay in children
The treatment plan for language delay varies from one child to another depending on his age, level of understanding, level of expression, ability to play, and method of communication. So we always start with an individual plan and not general exercises.
Determine the level of understanding and expression
Find out what the child can understand and say — words, instructions, sentences, and the use of language in dialogue.
Establish clear treatment goals
Increase vocabulary, understand instructions, form short sentences, use verbs, answer, or describe pictures.
Therapy through play
Games, pictures, stories, songs, and movement activities to stimulate the child’s understanding and expression.
Receptive language development
Understand words, verbs, adjectives, places, and gradually simpler and longer instructions.
Expressive language development
Increase vocabulary, use sentences, describe things, ask for help, and express feelings.
Use of language in daily life
Transfer the skill to home, nursery, school, play, and social situations.
Parent training
Simple guidelines that can be applied daily during a normal routine.
Monitor progress and modify the plan
Measure progress over time and move to higher goals based on the child's response.
Examples of goals for treating language delay
A treatment plan may include goals such as:
- ✓ Increase the number of words the child uses
- ✓ Teaching the child the names of objects and verbs
- ✓ Improve understanding of simple instructions
- ✓ Training the child to form a sentence of two or more words
- ✓ Teaching words such as: I want, give me, open, finish, more
- ✓ Train the child to answer questions: What? where? from?
- ✓ Develop his ability to describe images and events
- ✓ Improve the use of pronouns, adjectives and verbs
- ✓ Encourage the child to start communicating instead of waiting for others
- ✓ Reduce reliance on crying or pointing only
- ✓ Develop imaginative play and interaction skills
Goals vary according to the child's age and level, and are not set randomly.
The role of parents in treating language delay
The role of parents is very essential, because language does not develop only within the session. The child needs real daily situations in which he hears and uses language.
- ✓Talk to him through his daily routine
- ✓Naming things and actions around him
- ✓Use short, clear sentences
- ✓Give him time to respond and not answer for him
- ✓Reduce the number of consecutive questions
- ✓Turn gameplay into simple dialogue
- ✓Read age-appropriate picture stories
- ✓Praise any attempt to communicate
- ✓Repeat the correct word in a natural way
- ✓Reduce screen time and increase real engagement
- ✓Using Choices: Do you want an apple or a banana?
- ✓Expanding the child’s speech: If he says “car,” we say “red car.”
- ✓Do not pressure him to repeat words in an annoying way
Home training doesn't have to be long or stressful. It is best if it is short, frequent, and integrated into daily life.
Do screens cause language delay?
Excessive use of screens may reduce opportunities for real interaction, especially if the child spends a lot of time in front of videos without dialogue or joint play. Language develops through interaction: someone speaks, waits for the child's response, shares, explains, and responds to his or her attempts.
Not every language delay is caused by screens, but reducing screen time and increasing daily play and dialogue is a very important step to supporting language development.
Does the child need a hearing test?
A child may need a hearing test if he or she does not respond well to his name, does not pay attention to sounds, has frequent ear infections, or has significant delays in speech and language.
Hearing is very important for language development. The child needs to hear words clearly in order to understand and use them. Hearing screening helps rule out an important cause of language delay.
Is language delay in a bilingual child normal?
Children who live in a multilingual environment may mix languages or use words from two languages, which may be normal in some cases. But bilingualism should not be a reason to ignore obvious delays.
If a child has poor comprehension or expression in all the languages he or she is exposed to, is not making linguistic progress, or cannot form age-appropriate sentences, an evaluation is in order.
Evaluation helps differentiate between a natural difference due to multilingualism and a language delay that requires intervention.
Treatment of language delay in Al Shamkha - Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for treatment for language delay in children in Abu Dhabi or a speech and language specialist in Al Shamkha, AHLI Specialists Medical Center provides an evaluation and treatment plan for children who suffer from difficulties in understanding, expressing, forming sentences, or using language in daily communication.
We help parents understand the child’s linguistic level, and develop a practical plan that helps him communicate better at home, nursery, school, and the community.
Why choose AHLI Specialists Medical Center?
Comprehensive evaluation
For understanding and linguistic expression.
Individual plan
Depending on the child's age and level.
Interactive sessions
Play and interact — a comfortable environment.
Everyday language
Training in using language in life.
Parental guidance
Practical steps at home.
Clear follow-up
Track the child's development.
Family environment
Suitable for children in Al Shamkha.
Central location
Baniyas, Al Falah, Shakhbout, and Abu Dhabi.
Services related to language delay in children
The child may need one or more of the following services depending on the assessment:
Treatment of delayed speech in children
Few words or they do not speak at the expected level.
Learn more →Treating difficulties in understanding and expression
Poor understanding instructions or expressing ideas.
Treatment of speech disorders
Unclear speech or errors in letters.
Learn more →Treatment of stuttering and stuttering
Repeated sounds or pauses during speech.
Learn more →Treating social communication difficulties
Difficulty using language to interact and play.
Parent training
Supporting the child’s language at home in an organized manner.
Learn more →Related pages
When should I book an appointment for my child?
Book an assessment if you feel your child does not understand, speak or express as well as children their age, if they cannot form appropriate sentences, or if their language is affecting their behaviour, communication or participation in nursery and school.
The first step is not difficult: a clear assessment helps you know your child’s level, and whether he needs treatment or just guidance and follow-up.
Book a language delay assessment for your child
If you notice that your child does not understand instructions, does not form appropriate sentences, or cannot clearly express his or her needs, we can help you with a comprehensive language and communication evaluation.
AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi
Al Qayed Street, Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi
Frequently asked questions about language delay in children
What is language delay in children?
What is the difference between speech delay and language delay?
Can a child understand but not speak?
Can a child speak but not understand well?
Does language delay mean autism?
Do screens affect language development?
Is a bilingual child naturally delayed?
How many language therapy sessions does a child need?
Can language delay be treated at home only?
Does the child improve with treatment for language delay?
Speech and language therapist
Book a language delay assessment for your child
AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi — 02-448-7553