Catching the Clues: Identifying Language Delays and Disorders in Young Children

SLPs who work with the birth-three population and young preschoolers are essential in correct identification of children who present with early characteristics for developmental delays. This course provides speech-language pathologists with the tools to accurately assess and differentiate language delays from language disorders in children. Emphasizing culturally responsive practices, learners will explore standardized and dynamic assessments, integrate Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), and apply AI in language sampling. Through real-world case studies and observational methods, participants will enhance their diagnostic reasoning and develop individualized, evidence-based intervention plans.

Explore Course

Designed for speech-language pathologists and early intervention specialists, this course equips learners with the clinical expertise to accurately assess and differentiate language delays from language disorders in diverse pediatric populations: young children (18-36 months) and the preschool population (48 months and older). Participants will explore the impact of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments, learning how to select appropriate tools and interpret data within the context of each child’s developmental and cultural background. The course emphasizes the use of dynamic assessment to evaluate learning potential and reduce bias in diagnostic decision-making.

A central focus is placed on applying a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework during the intake and case history process to promote equitable and comprehensive evaluations. Learners will also explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and language sampling, including how to critically evaluate and ethically incorporate automated language analysis tools into clinical practice. Additional components include discussion of play-based observations and analysis of child-caregiver interactions, providing insight into functional communication in natural contexts. Through case-based learning, participants will practice synthesizing assessment data to support accurate differential diagnosis and develop individualized, evidence-informed intervention plans.

During this presentation, learners will be guided in formulating a reimagined, developmentally appropriate framework for assessment, identification, and diagnosis—one that integrates current research, clinical best practices, and a holistic understanding of language development in young children. SLPs will begin to analyze the idea that dynamic and holistic assessment may be effective for the correct identification of language delays versus disorders in the early childhood population.

Check out Part 2 of this course, "Intervention Strategies for Language Delays and Disorders in Young Children".

Presenters

Dr. Janita Gilliam
CCC-SLP
Dr. Gilliam, better known as “Dr. Jay” is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Founder of Jabber Talk Speech and Consulting, PLLC. She is passionate about providing skilled speech therapy services to the early childhood population. She enjoys coaching parents to help their children meet their full potential across all environments.
Dr. Jay’s education began with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Alabama A&M University. She obtained her M.S. in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from The University of Arkansas and her Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Jay has been an active member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Dr. Jay has over 13 years of experience in assessment, diagnosing, planning and treating children with speech-language and feeding disorders. She has provided speech and language services in a variety of settings, including schools, private clinics, home health, and early intervention. In her spare time she enjoys, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband William and their daughter's Layla and Nova.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the appropriate use and limitations of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments for identifying language impairments.
2. Explain the principles and applications of dynamic assessment in culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
3. Integrate a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework into clinical intake and assessment procedures.
4. Analyze the intersection of AI technologies and language sampling, including implications for clinical accuracy, equity, and ethics.
5. Interpret assessment results to distinguish between language delay and disorder, and apply findings to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction & Disclosures
5 minutes	Learner Objectives
10 minutes	Assessment Practices in Early Childhood Population
10 minutes	Clinical Application & Wrap-Up

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Dr. Janita Gilliam - Receives compensation from Jabber Talk Speech and Consulting, PLLC Dr. Janita Gilliam - Receives compensation from Abilene Christian University- Adjunct Professor Dr. Janita Gilliam is receiving compensation for this course.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Dr. Janita Gilliam has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:	Dr. Janita Gilliam has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .05 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

To earn ASHA CEUs you must complete the courses by viewing them, provide course feedback, pass the exams with a score of 80 or more, provide your ASHA credentials, and confirm submission.

Early Identification of Language Disorders and Intervention Series: $44.00
This two-course series (Catching the Clues 30 mins, and Intervention Strategies 60 mins), equips SLPs working with birth to preschool children to identify language delays and disorders using culturally responsive assessments and AI tools. Gain practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting early expressive language development through family-centered intervention. Ideal for clinicians seeking effective tools to improve early language outcomes. Includes access to the two recorded series and optional ASHA reporting for both courses.

Catching the Clues: Identifying Language Delays and Disorders in Young Children: $15.00
This course helps SLPs and early interventionists assess and differentiate language delays and disorders in young children from diverse backgrounds. Topics include selecting assessments, using dynamic evaluation, applying a Social Determinants of Health framework, incorporating AI tools, and analyzing play and caregiver interactions. Case studies support developing accurate diagnoses and tailored interventions. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.