Besides hearing impairment and APD, what causes language delay?
Often there is no obvious cause of language delay, although many times another family member has experienced similar development. Again, a language delay does not necessarily indicate lower intelligence, but it can lead to problems learning to read and spell. Some language delays do involve cognitive deficits, however. For instance, severe delays in language development are part of autism, Down Syndrome and other forms of mental retardation, cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities which keep children from exploring the environment in typical ways.
