This study focuses on understanding the cognitive an d language development delay displayed by young children living in care homes, who present major social withdrawal. Given the atypical profile of these children, I wanted to demonstrate the relevance of the protological and language adjustment speech therapy approach, which is based on thought, action, and language interactions and was developed by Lydie Morel. This single-case study uses quantitative longitudinal monitoring methodology : all playing, language, and communication behaviors were collected and quantified through the use of video. My results were considered in light of the theory of attachment disorders and the institutional living environment. Using a comprehensive approach, I met with professionals and undertook in situ observations, in order to understand the aspects of these children’s life and environment that might impact their cognitive and language development. This raises the issue of the persistence in France of long-term institutional stays for children, highlighting the need for their development and psychological state to be assessed early.