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12 - Patterns of Language Development from Childhood to Adulthood and the Associated Long-term Psychosocial Outcomes

from Part Two - Continuity and Change

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2022

By
Rebecca M. Armstrong  and
James G. Scott
Edited by
James Law ,
Sheena Reilly  and
Cristina McKean
James Law
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Sheena Reilly
Affiliation:
Griffith University, Queensland
Cristina McKean
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
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Summary

Language is fundamental to success in many life domains, and children showing vulnerabilities in their language development may be at risk of poorer lifelong outcomes. This chapter synthesises evidence from longitudinal population-based and community samples to describe the long-term psychosocial outcomes associated with a history of language problems. Notably, this chapter centres on the outcomes of late talkers and children with developmental language disorder (DLD). The chapter begins by profiling the outcomes experienced when language difficulties are identified at a single point in the child’s development. Next, the influence of changes in language profiles over time on the long-term psychosocial outcomes is considered. Throughout the chapter, outcomes are explored across key areas including literacy and numeracy, educational and vocational attainment, emotional and behavioural functioning, social connections, and mental health and well-being. The studies presented show that while heterogeneity exists, children with language problems at one point in development are at increased risk of difficulties in other domains of life, and these adverse outcomes can persist into adulthood.

Keywords

Languagelongitudinaloutcomeseducationvocationsocialmental healthlong-termchildadult
Type
Chapter
Information
Language Development
Individual Differences in a Social Context
 , pp. 281 - 301
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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