Child Psychology and Psychiatry

General patterns of development
the family and early neurobiological growth were
identified; in another study [17], a family history
of speech or language difficulties, non-English-
speaking background and low maternal education
were identified. While the majority of late talkers
will eventually catch up with their age peers, some
30–40% may not. Several smaller scale studies
have indicated that poor receptive vocabulary
and limited use of gestures may be indicative of
more persistent problems but further research
is needed. The American Speech-Language-
Hearing
Association
suggests
that
children
should be referred to a speech and language
therapist whenever a parent expresses concern
(see http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/
LateBlooming.htm).