Language development is a complex process influenced by cognitive, social, and environmental factors. This book provides an in-depth exploration of typical and atypical language acquisition across developmental stages. It discusses major theoretical models, milestones, and the identification of delays and disorders. Conditions such as developmental language disorder, specific language impairment, and language deficits in neurodevelopmental conditions are explored. Strategies for early intervention, family involvement, and inclusive education are highlighted. It serves as a core reference for linguists, educators, and speech-language pathologists.
Keziah Middleton is a senior lecturer in linguistics and communication sciences with a specialization in early childhood language acquisition. She has contributed extensively to interdisciplinary studies bridging developmental psychology and speech-language pathology. Her work is particularly noted for examining environmental and neurological influences on language milestones. Keziah has been invited to speak at multiple international forums and is part of several collaborative research networks in pediatric language disorders. Her current focus involves comparative studies of expressive and receptive language delays in multilingual settings.