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2.6.1: Language Development of Infants and Toddlers

  • Page ID
    205602
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    language skills necessary for success in school and beyond. 

    The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Development of Language in Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, and School-Age Children 

            Social determinants of health refer to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age. These encompass socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, neighborhood safety, housing, food security, and more (Adler & Stewart, 2010).

    Language development is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they can have a significant impact on language development in children. This chapter aims to explore the impact of social determinants of health on language development in infants, toddlers, and preschool- and school-age children and the implications for healthcare providers. 

    Infants. 

    During infancy, language development begins with essential prelinguistic skills such as vocalization and response to speech. Social determinants, including parental education, income, and access to healthcare, significantly influence this critical phase. Low-income families may face barriers to quality healthcare, impacting infant development (Duncan, Ziol-Guest, & Kalil, 2010).

             Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides, can have a negative impact on language development in infants (Heacock et al., 2016). Healthcare providers can support language development in infants by assessing needs and providing support and resources for families who may be experiencing social determinants of health that could negatively impact their child's language development. 

    Toddlers. In toddlerhood, social determinants of health continue to play a role in language development. For example, access to high-quality childcare and early education programs can have a positive impact on language development in toddlers (Larson et al., 2020). Additionally, food insecurity and housing instability can negatively impact language development in early childhood and contribute to unfavorable social-emotional outcomes in kindergarten (Johnson & Markowitz, 2018). Healthcare providers can support language development in toddlers by assessing needs and  providing resources and referrals for high-quality early education programs and support services for families experiencing social determinants of health that could impact their child's language development. 

    Preschool-Age Children. During the preschool years, social determinants of health can continue to impact language development. For example, exposure to violence and trauma can have a negative impact on language development in preschoolers (Peterson et al., 2019). Additionally, lack of access to safe outdoor play spaces and physical activity can impact language development in preschoolers (Grigg & Randall, 2019). Healthcare providers can support language development in preschoolers by assessing needs and providing resources and referrals for support services, such as trauma-informed care and access to safe outdoor play spaces. 

    School-Age Children. In school-age children, social determinants of health can impact language development through various factors, such as access to quality education and exposure to community violence ( Brooks-Gunn, Rauh, Leventhal, 2019). Additionally, social determinants of health can impact language development through their influence on mental health and well-being in school-age children (Baskin-Sommers & Sommers, 2020). Healthcare providers can support language development in school-age children by assessing needs and providing resources and referrals for support services, such as mental health counseling and access to high-quality educational programs. 

     


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