In children with language delays, which area is often assessed alongside speech?

In children with language delays, social skills are often assessed alongside speech. This is because language and social skills are closely intertwined, as effective communication relies not only on the use of words but also on understanding social cues, turn-taking, and the context of interactions. Evaluating social skills helps clinicians understand how a child's language abilities impact their ability to engage with peers and adults, which is crucial for their overall development and functioning in various settings, such as at home and in school.

Auditory processing, while important, is generally assessed in the context of understanding spoken language and may not directly correlate to social interactions. Swallowing abilities, although relevant in certain contexts, particularly for more severe delays or other disabilities, do not typically relate to language skill assessment. Visual skills, while important in a broader sense of development, do not directly connect to language acquisition or use in the same way that social skills do.