Delayed speech or language development affects approximately 5% to 12% of preschool-aged children and ~8% of children in kindergarten. Untreated speech and language delays can persist in 40%–60% of children and lead to challenges with academics, mental health, and behaviors. Helping students strengthen their language skills in their early childhood years could have a major positive impact on their future success and wellbeing. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the benefits of early language intervention and how to spot potential language delays or disorders in young students.
The brain’s neural pathways for language development are most flexible 
before age five. The brain’s circuitry is most adaptable during this time due to a dramatic increase in synaptic connections (the links between neurons) between birth and about three years old, allowing for rapid learning. In these early years, the brain actively strengthens connections that are used and prunes those that aren’t, making it highly receptive to new, correct input. This peak plasticity aligns with critical windows for foundational language skills, such as the ability to specialize in native language sounds (by about 10–12 months) and the acquisition of syntax or grammar (starts to close as early as five or six years old).
When a child receives early intervention in language and communication skills, the brain capitalizes on this unique flexibility to form efficient, permanent neural pathways for communication, leading to more immediate gains and increased likelihood that children will achieve age-appropriate language skills by the time they start elementary school.
Language skills form the bedrock of education, and when they are underdeveloped, the academic impact extends beyond ELA. Language ability at school entry is a strong predictor of a child’s performance in most core academic subjects, which rely heavily on understanding complex vocabulary, following multi-step classroom instructions, and grasping abstract concepts. Receiving targeted language support early can establish a strong foundation for better school readiness and greatly improve a student’s future academic success. Early therapy doesn’t just address a speech problem; it provides the core communication tools necessary for lifelong learning.
The ability to communicate is the most fundamental tool we possess for connecting with the world, expressing our needs, and building relationships. Consequently, struggles with communication can lead to frustration and isolation, negatively impacting a child’s confidence and social development. Without the means to express their feelings or understand others, these children often face a steeper hill in navigating the complexities of their social environment. Research shows that children with language delays are more likely to experience social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, such as internalizing or externalizing problems. Further, people with Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) are 3 times more likely to experience clinical levels of depression and 6 times more likely to experience clinical levels of anxiety.
These findings underscore the importance of early language support, which research shows can reduce problem behaviors and promote long term wellbeing. Early therapy helps children express their needs and thoughts, which reduces frustration and fosters stronger social competence, enabling them to engage successfully with peers and form friendships.
Investing in a child’s early language development is also a smart decision financially. Research suggests that every dollar spent on early speech intervention saves an estimated $7 to $12 in future costs related to special education, healthcare, and lost productivity. This impressive return on investment stems from a simple truth: starting therapy early, during those optimal developmental windows, allows children to master foundational skills more quickly. By addressing communication delays right away, we substantially lessen the need for intensive, costly support when the child is older, helping them become independent, successful learners and independent adults.
Note: While early language intervention is most ideal and offers significant benefits, pursuing language support at any stage beyond early childhood can still lead to considerable benefits and skill development.
If you’re a preschool or early elementary educator, you could play a critical role in recognizing early signs of language deficits and getting students the support they need. Familiarize yourself with communication and language milestones for different age groups and observe how your students’ communication skills compare. Voice any concerns to your school’s Speech Language Pathologist, who can conduct a more thorough assessment.
Note: Milestones offer guidance but should not be used as a diagnostic tool. Since each child develops uniquely, they may reach specific communication milestones earlier or later than their peers; this variation is especially important to remember when observing the language skills and development of students with other developmental disabilities or disorders.
TeachTown Language Accelerator is an essential component of intervening early for any student with developmental language disorders and/or language delays. This technology-based personalized language intervention program equips classroom teachers and school-based SLPs to provide language intervention at scale to PreK-Elementary students.
Most intervention will occur in a 1:1 setting, though teacher-led lessons may be appropriate for a small group of students who share similar areas of need, or as a whole group mini lesson to deliver explicit instruction. Language Accelerator provides over 1400+ interactive, engaging technology lessons across 6 language domains, plus articulation. Learn more!
Note: We recognize that many students in special education rely on non-verbal communication. To ensure every student can effectively participate and find success across all academic and social environments, TeachTown’s technology is intentionally designed to integrate seamlessly with various assistive technology devices, such as switches. This commitment to full accessibility ensures every learner can meaningfully pursue their personalized goals.