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Twins and speech and language development

29 Sep 2008

Late onset of speech, and speech and language difficulties, including stuttering, are more common in twins than in singletons. This is because twins are frequently premature or low birth weight babies, and their parents may have less time to attend to them individually and to help them develop verbal skills.

"Twin language"

A fascinating part of many twins' development is the emergence of idioglossia, or "twin language". Recent research in Australia and overseas suggests that twin language is most often seen in twins with immature or disordered language, especially when the twins are performing at the same developmental level. An interesting Australian study found that twins were less adventurous in their use of words when playing with each other than they were when they played and chatted to adults. They used simple language and fewer words when they talked to each other. A British study showed that twin language is higher (around 50%) in twins with speech and language difficulties than for twins with normal language (11%).

Late talking twins

A child is considered to be a "late talker" if they have a spoken vocabulary of less than 50 words at 24 months. This does not mean that the 50 words have to be pronounced perfectly - two year olds are supposed to talk baby talk! If twins are late to talk it is important not to assume that they will automatically "catch up" in time. it is a wise precaution to take them for "baseline" assessment by a speech pathologist who will monitor their progress at intervals, provide helpful advice and guidance, and suggest therapy if necessary.

(From Twins: development and language, Caroline Bowen PhD, Speech and Language Pathologist,visit the Tripod website)

Tags: Talk To Your Baby