Language development in typically developing children and children with developmental deficits: A concise qualitative review

Mila Vulchanova, Valentin Vulchanov Mila
Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab
Norwegian University of Science & Technology – Norway

Abstract
The current review provides a concise qualitative overview of how language develops in typically developing children in comparison to developmental deficits which adversely affect language, with a focus on language impairment (Developmental Language Disorder) and
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The review traces the main stages in language acquisition and observed trajectories in typical children and children with developmental deficits. The main factors which impact on language development are highlighted and seen in the context
of language outcomes. The review covers research across languages and cultures, and across populations of speakers.

Keywords: language development, typically developing children, developmental deficits, language competence, developmental trajectories, factors in language development