This text draws together the principal issues related to the identification of language difficulties in pre-school children. Factors closely associated with the development of language such as cognitive skills, play, behaviour and hearing are discussed. The basic principles underlying early identification, the role of the parent and the issue of early identification within the context of public health are also included.;To reflect the range of related professionals involved with language impaired children, there are chapters written by a health visitor, a psychiatric social worker and speech and language therapists specializing in hearing loss. This book should be a useful reference for all those professionals working with children in the health and education setting.;This book should be of interest to practising and student speech therapists, nurses, health visitors, paediatric nurses, nursery leaders, play group leaders, clinical medical officers, educational and clinical psychologists.