Factors associated with specific language impairment and later language development during early life: a literature review

Abstract

It has been reported that 50% of children with specific language impairment (SLI) have persistent SLI, which has been associated with various risk factors. To date, however, there has not been a comprehensive review of studies into different risk factors that could be used by clinicians to facilitate parental counseling and individual case-management. Several studies about the factors associated with SLI were reviewed based on study design. This article presents a review of factors associated with later language development and SLI, and reviews the risk for children who have SLI during early life. The summary provides data including specific biologic and environmental factors that are significantly associated with SLI, to ensure early intervention for children with SLI in the presence of identified risk factors.