The child with delayed language: assessment and management.

Speech and language disorders are the most common developmental problems among preschool children. Early detection and remediation of delayed language development are important in helping the child establish appropriate social behavior and acquire additional information about the world through the use of language.The major reasons for delayed language acquisition are mixed developmental delay, hearing loss, psychosocial factors, behavioral disturbance, specific language disorder, and major physical handicap. Assessment and management are outlined here by case presentations and discussions. The family physician can play a key role as part of a team of professionals concerned with language delay. (Can Fam Physician 1981; 27:1405-1412).