Siblings and Speech Services

Did you know that there’s a high chance that if one of your children attend speech services that it’s likely your other children will benefit from or need speech therapy themselves? 

Data: 

Research indicates that 50% to 70% of children diagnosed with a Developmental Language Disorder (historically called Specific Language Impairment) have at least one other family member affected by a similar communication condition. 

If an older sibling has a developmental speech or language delay, younger siblings are 3 to 4 times more likely to also exhibit a language delay compared to children with no family history. 

In families where an older child is diagnosed with autism, 20% of their siblings who do not have autism will still exhibit a distinct language delay requiring speech intervention. 

(https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language)

Why? 

Genetic Heritability: Brain wiring patterns responsible for processing sound, syntax, and speech motor control are highly heritable. "Sibling Talk" Interventions: Younger siblings frequently rely on an older brother or sister to translate for them. If an older sibling answers for the toddler (e.g., "He wants the juice"), the younger child loses the motivation to practice vocalizing their own needs. 

Divided Parental Attention: Managing speech therapy schedules and home exercises for one child naturally reduces the amount of direct, one-on-one reading and verbal engagement parents can give to subsequent children 

(https://www.speechclub.com/post/why-younger-siblings-more-likely-to-have-speech-and-language-delay-then-their-old-brothers-or-sister)

Think about asking your speech therapist for an evaluation to see if the sibling of your child receiving services qualifies for services themselves.

Author: Amber Drew, C-SLPA