What is a primary characteristic of the first word stage of SLI?

In the first word stage of Specific Language Impairment (SLI), a primary characteristic is indeed the presence of delays in comprehension and slow acquisition of first words. Children in this stage typically struggle to produce and understand language at the expected rate for their age. This means that while they are beginning to speak their first words, the process is more gradual compared to typically developing children.

The slow acquisition of words indicates that these children may have significant challenges in both expressive and receptive language skills. They may understand fewer words and phrases than their peers and may take longer to start using words functionally. This characteristic highlights the struggles faced by children with SLI as they work to form a foundation for language development, which is often slower and more challenging due to their unique impairments.

In contrast, the other options suggest more typical development or characteristics not specifically aligned with the first word stage of SLI. Therefore, the focus on delays is essential for understanding the nature of language development in children with this specific developmental disorder.