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Subgroups in language trajectories from 4 to 11 years: the nature and predictors of stable, improving and decreasing language trajectory groups

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Cristina McKeanORCiD, Professor Sheena Reilly

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This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Wiley, 2017.

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Abstract

Background: Little is known about the nature, range and prevalence of different subgroups in language trajectories extant in a population from 4 – 11 years. This hinders strategic targeting and design of interventions, particularly targeting those whose difficulties will likely persist.Methods: Children’s language abilities from 4-11 years were investigated in a specialist language longitudinal community cohort (N=1910). Longitudinal trajectory latent class modelling was used to characterise trajectories and identify subgroups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors associated with the language trajectories children followed.Results: Three language trajectory groups were identified: ‘stable’ (94% of participants); low-decreasing (4%) and low-improving (2%). A range of child and family factors were identified that were associated with following either the low-improving or low-increasing language trajectory; many of them shared. The low-improving group was associated with mostly environmental risks: non-English speaking background, social disadvantage, few children’s books in the home. The low-decreasing group was associated with mainly biological risks: low birthweight, socio-emotional problems, lower family literacy, learning disability.Conclusions: By 4 years services can be confident most children with low language will remain low to 11 years. Using rigid cut-points in language ability to target interventions is not recommended due to continued individual variability in language development. Service delivery models should incorporate monitoring over time, targeting according to language abilities and associated risks and delivery of a continuum of interventions across the continuum of need.

Publication metadata

Author(s): McKean C, Wraith D, Eadie P, Cook F, Mensah F, Reilly S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Year: 2017

Volume: 58

Issue: 10

Pages: 1081-1091

Print publication date: 01/10/2017

Online publication date: 01/09/2017

Acceptance date: 27/06/2017

Date deposited: 28/06/2017

ISSN (print): 0021-9630

ISSN (electronic): 1469-7610

Publisher: Wiley

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12790

DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12790

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