A commonly held belief is that many geniuses are late to start talking. A recent study examined the relationship between late onset of talking and social and emotional problems.
In this small study the researchers looked at 14 toddlers who were classified as "late talkers." They compared their social and emotional development to that of 14 matched children who began to talk within what's classified as the "normal age range." Much of the information was gathered from maternal reports and observations. All of these children displayed normal receptive communication skills. In other words, they had no trouble understanding what was being said to them.
Using various assessment tools, the late talking children were found to have poorer social skills and to be more depressed and withdrawn than the control group toddlers. The late talkers were less interested in playing, particularly pretend play and imitation than the toddlers who spoke at a normal age. No differences were found in peer relationships.
Delays in beginning to talk are associated with poor social and emotional adjustment. Early intervention may prevent some of these problems from developing.
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 11/02.
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