Early Risk Factors for Speech and Language Impairments

Abstract

Developmental epidemiological methods were used to identify risk factors for speech impairment (SI), specific language impairment (SLI), and combined speech and language impairment (CSLI) in a statewide sample of preschool-age children. Level of risk was determined by comparing the rate of occurrence of factors between 12,799 children with SI, SLI, or CSLI and a comparison group of 946,177 children. Multiple birth, presence of a newborn condition, presence of a congenital abnormality, maternal age greater than 35 years, and presence of a maternal medical history factor were associated with increased risk for SI, SLI, and CSLI. Prematurity and very low birthweight were significant risk factors for SLI and CSLI but not for SI. Prenatal exposure to alcohol was a significant risk factor for SI but not SLI and CSLI. Low maternal education and unwed marital status were associated with a decreased risk for speech and/or language impairments, indicating a potential identification bias. The study presented here demonstrates the potential for identifying children at birth who are at increased risk for speech and language impairments.