Many factors can affect language development in childhood, including environmental factors and lack of proper education. Hearing loss can have a major impact on language development in childhood. Children with hearing impairment often have difficulty comprehending speech, forming words, and developing language skills, because they cannot hear how the language is spoken. Psychological or emotional issues may also negatively affect language development in childhood.

The environment in which someone was raised can adversely influence language development in childhood. Children who suffer from physical or emotional abuse in the home are more likely to be developmentally delayed in language skills. Children who have been neglected or deprived of social interaction may also be delayed in cognitive development.

Intellectual disorders such as mental retardation can affect language development in children of all ages. Brain injury at birth, or other conditions such as cerebral palsy can also affect language development in childhood. Although schizophrenia in children generally causes delusions and disorganized thoughts, language development may also be influenced by this condition. Language development in childhood may be negatively affected by emotional problems or attention deficit disorder as well.

One of the most recognized disorders affecting childhood language development is autism. Autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome, may also hamper language development. Many children with autism will not learn to speak at a normal age. Left untreated or undiagnosed, some autistic children may never speak or form proper words and sentences. Through professional intervention and therapy, many autistic children are able to learn adequate language skills.

Children with deformed or abnormal facial structures may have delayed language skills. A cleft lip and palate will often affect a child's language development. Speech impediments, such as speaking with a lisp, may also affect language development in childhood.

When a child is raised in a multilingual environment, he may experience a delay in language development or have poor language skills. If there are several languages being spoken in the home, the child may not grasp his primary language, or he may confuse the meanings of certain words. Some children do exceptionally well when exposed to a second language, however, resulting in above average language skills.

Certain factors can positively influence language development in childhood. Some children who receive individualized attention and education may develop above average language skills. Tutoring a child in language can often improve language skills as well. Children who are spoken to often do well with language development.