Specific language impairment: effect on later language development: a literature review.
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.


METHODS
Longitudinal studies were systematically explored to seek evidence- based information 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.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that active intervention should be performed as soon as possible for children with persisting SLI.
Prathanee
Benjamas
B
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Thinkhamrop
Bandit
B
Dechongkit
Sumalee
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007804:Language Development; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology