"Boys just talk later"
Partly true, but the difference is small. A study of nearly 14,000 children in 10 language communities found girls slightly ahead of boys.[1] Boys are more likely to be late talkers.[2] Being a boy is not a reason to wait if you're worried.
"They'll grow out of it"
Many do, but not all. About half to two-thirds of late talkers catch up[3], but 20% to 30% keep having real difficulties with language.[2] Nobody can be sure which group a child is in, so it's worth asking for advice early.[4]
"Two languages confuse children"
False. Bilingualism does not cause a speech or language disorder.[5] See Two languages at home.
"TV and apps will teach them to talk"
Not on their own. Children need people talking with them.[6] More screen time and background TV are linked to weaker language skills.[7]
"You need a diagnosis to get help at nursery"
In England, no. Nurseries should not delay putting help in place, and support is based on your child's needs.[8] See Getting help in the UK.
"Stammering is just a phase, leave it"
It often is a phase, but advice helps. About 2 in 3 children who stammer grow out of it, and help for preschool children often works well, so the NHS says to get advice as soon as possible.[9]
Sources for this page
- Eriksson et al. (2012). Differences between girls and boys in emerging language skills: evidence from 10 language communities · British Journal of Developmental Psychology
- Late talkers: what we know, and what we don't · The Hanen Centre
- Late language emergence (practice portal) · American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- About Learn the Signs. Act Early. · CDC (USA)
- Bilingualism · Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Bilingual and multilingual development · NHS Forth Valley speech and language therapy
- Madigan et al. (2020). Associations between screen use and child language skills: a systematic review and meta-analysis · JAMA Pediatrics
- SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years · Department for Education
- Stammering · NHS