Specific Language Impairment: Effect on Later Language Development: A Literature Review
Benjamas Prathanee MA*, Bandit Thinkhamrop PhD**, Sumalee Dechongkit PhD***
Affiliation : * Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen ** Department of Biostatistics and Demography, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen *** Department of Otolaryngology, Mahidol University
Background : Children with specific language impairment (SLI) are at considerable risk for later language
development. However, there has not been a good literature review to provide understanding and to get
information relative to parental counseling and decision making for further management.
Objective : To summarize the literature review on SLI and effect on later language development.
Materials and Methods : Longitudinal studies were systematically explored to seek evidence- based informa-
tion to confirm the lasting effect of SLI in later language development.
Results : Natural history data indicated that approximately 50% of children with specific expressive language
delay spontaneously remitted or outgrew it at age 5-8. However, long-term follow-up studies showed their
language problems emerged later at age 15. The rest of the children’s (50%), language impairment persisted
and had a high risk for SLI later.
Conclusion : The results suggest that active intervention should be performed as soon as possible for children
with persisting SLI.
Keywords : Language development, Later language development, Specific language impairment, Risk
