Intervention Strategies for Language Delays and Disorders in Young Children

SLPs play a critical role in supporting expressive language development during the earliest years of life. This course equips pediatric clinicians with evidence-based techniques to enhance vocabulary growth in infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers. Participants will learn how to reframe their intervention approach, incorporating culturally responsive and family-centered practices that align with the diverse needs of today’s early childhood populations. Ideal for professionals seeking fresh, practical tools to strengthen outcomes and engagement in early language intervention.

Explore Course

Early expressive language development is a cornerstone of later communication success, academic readiness, and social engagement (Snijders et al., 2020). Yet, a significant portion of the pediatric population—approximately 13–19%—experience Late Language Emergence (LLE), particularly due to expressive vocabulary delays (Collisson et al., 2016). As front-line providers, pediatric speech-language pathologists must be equipped not only to recognize these early signs but to deliver responsive, measurable, and family-focused interventions.

This session is designed to reframe and elevate the clinical practice of SLPs working with children aged 18–36 months presenting with language delays, as well as older preschoolers (ages 4+) with diagnosed language disorders. The course focuses on providing specific, evidence-based methods for building expressive vocabulary using structured word learning interventions that can be embedded into naturalistic routines and child-led play.

This course emphasizes practical application through real-world case studies and research-supported intervention models. Participants will leave with tools to track vocabulary types and frequency, measure expressive gains, and engage families with transparent, goal-linked strategies. A framework for creating customized vocabulary-building plans will also be provided, allowing SLPs to align goals like “Child will increase vocabulary” with concrete, trackable outcomes. Ultimately, this course challenges clinicians to move beyond broad exposure and embrace intentional, responsive intervention strategies that truly support expressive language development in the early childhood years.

Check out Part 1 of this course, "Catching the Clues: Identifying 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 clinical characteristics of Late Language Emergence (LLE) and language disorders in early childhood, including prevalence and developmental impact.
2. Identify research-based components of effective word learning interventions, including dosage rates and criteria for selecting functional target words.
3. Apply techniques for embedding expressive vocabulary targets into naturalistic contexts such as child-led play, routines-based intervention, and caregiver interaction.
4. Develop individualized vocabulary intervention plans that align with measurable goals and track expressive word use across sessions.
5. Implement strategies for generalizing vocabulary learning across daily environments while promoting caregiver participation and cultural relevance.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introductions & Disclosures
10 minutes	LLL and Differential Diagnoses
15 minutes	Research & Interventions: Focused stimulation, word learning intervention, dosage rates
15 minutes	Culturally Responsive Practices
10 minutes	Clinical Application
5 minutes	Conclusions & 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 .1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Early Identification of Language Disorders and Intervention Series: $44.00
This two-course series (90 minutes total) 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.

Add-ons

The Cost of Masking: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners Needs

$29.00

This course examines the emotional, behavioral, and communicative impacts of masking on neurodivergent learners. Designed for SLPs and special education teachers, it combines research and practical strategies to support authentic self-expression, improve mental health, and reduce masking in educational settings. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.

Raising Awareness for CTE and Traumatic Brain Injury with Dr. Kelli Uitenham

$7.00

In this episode of Bright Conversations, medical SLP Dr. Kelli Uitenham discusses Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and how SLPs can raise awareness and provide meaningful support. Register to access the full episode in your dashboard and submit for ASHA CEUs.