Why are Some Boys so Late in Speaking?

A combination of factors may affect the reasons why boys with fragile X are often late in learning to speak. Some may be delayed due to slower cognitive development. They may say first words and word combinations later than other children, but begin talking in their second or third year.

Other boys may have more difficulty, and a few have no verbal expressive language. They may have understanding of language that far surpasses their low expressive abilities, so that they can use gestures, sign language, or augmentative communication devices to make their needs and wants known.  Some attribute this lack of oral speech among a small percentage of boys with fragile X to low oral muscle tone. Their lips and tongue may not be able to coordinate speech movements. Early signs of such weaknesses include difficulty with sucking and eating, and later with such skills as blowing bubbles and sipping from a straw.

Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois