Delayed language

My grandaughter was adopted from an orphange from another country.  It was their policy to feed them only a liquid type cereal up until the time they were 3 yrs old.  This was the age she came to our family.  Her language skills are quite behind but also her ability to chew has been a big problem.  She doesn't know how to chew on her back teeth and choking is always a worry while we try to introduce small solids to her diet.
Is there anything we can do or impliment to help train her to use her back teeth to chew? She trys...knows the word "chew" but can't seem to get the nack of the back teeth (gives a great effort on the front teeth!). This could also be part of why her language skills are behind.  Mentaly she is sharp and tackles just about everything except what she puts in her mouth. Tiny and soft food seems to be it.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I cannot offer you guidance in this area - it really is not within my area of expertise. However, I would do two things: (a) consult with a Speech & Language therapist, and (b) investigate whether an occupational therapist might be able to offer some assistance.