Examining Early Language and Communication Skills in Children at Elevated Risk for Developmental Delays

Abstract

It is important to monitor early language development in children at risk for delays in order to create targeted interventions to best support children’s potential. Previous research demonstrates that children with family histories of developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at elevated risk for language/communication difficulties. The present study expands our understanding of language concerns in toddlers at risk by examining whether early communication difficulties are present as a function of developmental/contextual risk.