Evaluation of language development of children at a social pediatrics (well child) clinic

This study aimed at evaluating factors that influence speech and language development among healthy children, specifically those who have no hearing loss or intellectual disabilities. The cohort are aged between the ages of 2 years and 7 years 11 months examined during their routine visit to the Social Pediatrics (Well Child) Clinic. A total of 218 children of whom 51.8% were girls, whose parents had given their written consent were included in the study. The parents were asked to fill in the questionnaire first; then the children were given the Turkish Early Language Development Test (TEDIL). While mother's education level was important in both receptive and expressive language abilities, only expressive language ability had a statistically significant relationship with the father's education level. Mothers' job types and the number of children in the family affected expressive language ability positively. The expressive language ability of those children who attend schools or nurseries was positively affected. The starting age and time duration that children spend with technological gadgets affect their language scores. The time length of book reading with illustrations and pictures suitable for the concerned age group and the age that parents begin to read books for their children positively and significantly influenced TEDIL scores. When parents were informed about their children's language development, we found that parents sought further professional advice. Finally, informing parents of any possible negative aspects of the ability of their child's language development may have an enormous impact on their children's healthy language and speech development.