This module considers when children’s language development may look different.

There are many reasons why children develop language in different ways including;

• how often they interact with language role models (communication partners)
• when the child sees or hears language (language access)
•  the opportunities a child has to understand and use language with other people in different situations (communication environment)
• the specific strengths and needs of an individual child, which may include a language disorder (the child’s language and communication profile)

Our research and clinical experience show that people are good at identifying when a child’s sign language looks different. They find it more difficult to identify what is different and why.

This module gives information about why a child’s sign may be different. The module will help families, co-workers and older children discuss their concerns by providing concepts and vocabulary to support discussion of language difference. They can then begin to make a plan to address shared concerns.