New Research: Shyness Can Make It Harder to Assess a Child’s Language Skills
Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
If your child tends to be on the reserved side, as their parent, you’ve probably heard it dozens of times: “They’re so shy!”
Shyness is common in young children. Many children are hesitant or cautious in social situations. They may be slow to “warm up” to other people.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being shy! Shyness isn’t a negative personality trait. But it’s important to understand how shyness might impact an assessment of your child’s language skills.
Study looks at the effect of shyness on language tests
A recent study looked at how a child’s shyness can affect their performance on language tests based on how much social interaction the tests require.
The research involved 122 toddlers ranging in age from 17 months to 3.5 years old. The language tests required the children to respond in three different ways: by looking, by pointing, and by answering with words. The researchers also asked the children’s parents to fill out an early childhood behavior questionnaire, in which they rated their child’s shyness level.
Here’s what the researchers found:
All children did well with the pointing task, no matter how shy they were.
Shyer children did worse on sociable tasks (which involved responding with words) than on tasks that were less socially demanding (such as pointing).
Shyer children were less likely to respond by looking.
The study results show that shy behavior can make it harder to assess a child’s language skills. That’s because it’s more challenging for these children to talk with speech therapists and teachers.
Shyness doesn’t automatically mean language problems
While a child may be shy and also have speech or language concerns, it’s important to note that shy children aren’t more likely to have language delays. A large 2014 study involving 816 toddlers found that shy children understand what's being said as well as their less shy peers, even though they tend to talk less.
The shy children in the study had the capability to respond, but they were hesitant to do so. They were not delayed or deficient in understanding language. They simply spoke less.
The researchers concluded that “inhibited behaviors” like shyness don't affect how well children learn language. Instead, shyness relates specifically to how toddlers express themselves through words. This is called expressive language.
What parents of shy kids need to know
Parents and caregivers are the most important advocates for their children. When you speak up for your child, it helps them receive the support and services they need to be successful.
If you’re working with a speech therapist, teacher, or other professionals, talk with them about your child’s personality to ensure your child’s individual needs are understood. If your child is receiving a speech evaluation, the speech therapist can choose different assessment tasks in order to gain the best understanding of your child’s skills. If your child is in speech therapy, their therapist can adjust the activities used during sessions so your child participates and feels comfortable.
Shy children may need help with developing their speaking abilities, or expressive language.
The researchers in the 2014 study noted that shy children may need help with developing their speaking abilities, or expressive language. Interventions might focus on helping them grow their confidence, social skills, and independence. For example, you might help your child arrange a playdate with a classmate they like, or help them find an activity, class, or sport they’re comfortable trying.
Every child is unique, with their own strengths. It’s important to respect a child’s temperament without pressuring them to be more outgoing. Being encouraging and supportive, gently exposing them to more social situations, and allowing them to gradually build their confidence are the best things we can do!
