Twins: What to expect with language development
Are you a twin mom or dad?
Did you know twins/multiples have a greater risk of speech and language delays?
Here is what the research says about twins:
✏️ Studies have shown that twins are at greater risk for speech delays, with males often lagging more than females.
✏️ However, studies also show that language skills in twins typically catch up to peers by age 3- 4 years.
✏️ Always consult with your pediatrician and/or a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns about your little ones’ speech/language development, as it’s often best to intervene if there are delays.
✨ While there can be many reasons that a child has a speech delay, contributing factors may include the nature of carrying twins/multiples, which often involves a shorter gestation period and lower birth weights. Also, twins and multiples may receive less one-to-one interaction time with their caregiver, which could be a contributing factor.
How to encourage speech-language development in twins/multiples:
❣️ Take advantage of individual time with your twins! When possible, create time for face-to-face interactions with your little ones, as this is an amazing way to build language skills.
❣️ Try to respond to each twin’s communicative attempts individually. For example, if one twin coos or babbles, imitate the sound back while making eye contact with them! As they get older, respond to questions and requests while addressing the individual.
❣️ Talk about what is happening around your twins, trying to be specific to each child and what they are doing.
❣️ Encourage turn-taking! It’s important to allow each child an opportunity to express themself/listen to others.
❣️ Read books together! Take time to ask each child questions about the story and/or allow them to share what they notice.
❣️ Singing songs together is a great way to work on gestures, language, and verbal routines! It also allows your twins an opportunity to interact with you through the song.
What is twin language?
Twin language is the “secret” language twins have between one another. They seem to be talking to each other, where others don’t know what they’re saying. Around 50% of twins have “twin language,” which some researchers have found it to be immature speech patterns that develop. So even though it’s so cute to watch them “talk” in their own language, they may be reinforcing speech sound errors in each other. We’re not saying don’t let them have their own secret language, but it’s important for caregivers to be modeling correct language for them, too!
What has been your favorite part about raising twins or multiples? Comment below! ⬇️
Sources:
Bowen, C. (1999). Twins development and language. Retrieved from http://www.speech-language-therapy.com on 7/15/2020
Lewis, B.A. & Thompson, L.A. (1992). A Study of Developmental Speech and Language Disorders in Twins. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 35, 1086-1094.
Thorpe, K. (2006). Twin Children's Language Development. Early Human Development, vol. 82, no. 6, 2006, pp. 387-395.
