By Guest blogger, Alex Trichilo, Speach Pathologist at www.thespeel.com Speech Pathologists have long been aware of a critical period in baby language development, in which the brain develops rapidly and is capable of learning a LOT. What we have learned more recently is what changes are actually occurring in the brain to allow this to happen. Some recent research from 2013 from O’Muircheartaigh and colleagues that looks at brain white matter assymmetry changes in the brain in the early years and its relation to language and cognition is very exciting. This research was really the first of its kind and involved studying 108 children with typical development, ranging in age from one to six years. Being an early study in this area, it suggests that we can’t draw confident conclusions, but the results suggest some important future directions for research in this area. O’Muircheartaigh and his colleagues have continued to do more research in this area over the last few years. This study looks at the myelin that surrounds each nerve axon and how it develops from birth, and what they found was amazing! First of all, lets take a look at what myelin is: Myelin wraps around each nerve axon and is so important because it provides the electrical insulation and speeds up the nerve impulses. (See below for a graphic of how it looks.)
“The fastest lifetime rate of both expressive and receptive language acquisition occurs between 18 and 60 months” (p.16173, O’Muircheartaigh, 2013). This, together with the rapid myelin development, explains the amazing number of words that we see children develop at these ages, they move from only saying a few words or sounds to being able to hold entire conversations with adults. When children use and understand language on a regular basis, the brain typically learns to ‘lay down’ more myelin, which speeds up the impulses in the nerves and makes for a great foundation of language. It is important that we make the most of this incredible period of language development so that we can give children the best communicative opportunities in life. O’Muircheartaigh and his colleagues have continued to do more research in this area over the last few years.
Making the most of the critical period: Right from your child’s birth you can be doing many things to make the most of this critical period of language development. These include: · Monitoring your child’s hearing skills, especially if they regularly suffer from ear infections. · Taking the time to play and talk with your child one on one. · Turning the TV off when you are not watching it, avoid having it there as background noise · Praising your child and rejoicing in the development of new words together · Adding language to every day activities (bath time, play time, grocery shopping) If you feel that your child is not developing their communication skills from an early age, first head to www.thespeel.com to get the free printable checklist for your child’s age. If you continue to be concerned, get in touch with me, or contact a local Speech Pathologist. Enjoy the early years of language development and know that you are making an amazing difference in your child’s life by surrounding them with language opportunities.
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Angela Braden is a journalist, researcher, and parent educator devoted to early parenting based on baby brain development. This blog explores what science shows we can do as parents to give our little ones the best foundations for life. |