Generally, children’s speech and language develop at varying speeds. Therefore, many parents have no idea “What’s normal?” and experience difficulties with identifying whether their kid is a “late bloomer” or needs professional help from speech specialists. Since, several parents wish to know about speech delay, in this blog, we have presented detailed information about the signs, causes, and treatment of speech delay.
If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of speech delay, then continue reading.
What is a Speech Delay?
The speech and language abilities of a child begin with a gentle sound. As the months go by, babies start to babble, which quickly leads to one of the happiest moments for parents. An average 2-year-old can speak in two-word phrases and say roughly 50 words at a time. Their vocabulary grows to 1,000 words by the age of three.
When a child falls short of these expected speaking milestones, it is known as a speech delay. Up to 10% of preschoolers struggle with this typical developmental issue.
As every child develops at their own pace, it will be challenging for caretakers to determine whether their child is simply a late talker or whether there is an issue that requires speech therapy. This is why it is essential to seek assessment and diagnosis from a certified speech-language pathologist or speech therapist. Speech difficulties can be successfully corrected, and studies have indicated that the best results come from early therapy.
How Does a Speech Delay Differ From a Language Delay?
Speech delay and language delay are not the same. So, don’t get confused.
The physical act of uttering words and making sounds is called speech. On the other hand, language provides and receives information. Language involves communicating verbally, nonverbally, and in writing to comprehend and be understood.
Although speech and language issues differ, they frequently coexist. For instance, a toddler with a language delay may utter words correctly but only be able to put two words together.
But, a kid with a speech delay may express thoughts through words and sentences that are difficult to understand.
Some children have only a speech or language delay, while others have both. Distinguishing between the two is essential since it will guide treatment options. If you believe your kid has a speech or language delay, you should seek help from a speech-language pathologist. Only they can do an effective evaluation and diagnosis.
Identify the Signs of Speech Delay
A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if a newborn is not responding to sound or vocalizing. However, parents frequently find it difficult to determine whether their child is experiencing a problem or is just taking a little longer to meet a speech or language milestone.
Here are a few signs that every parent should be aware of. Contact your physician if your child shows these signs.
By 1 year
- Your child fails to make movements like pointing or waving goodbye.
- Has difficulty imitating noises.
By 18 months
- Your child likes to communicate through gestures rather than vocalizations (sounds).
- Has difficulty understanding simple verbal requests.
By 2 years
- Your child can only imitate words or movements.
- Does not generate words or phrases spontaneously.
- Says only some noises or words repeatedly, and cannot use words to communicate anything other than their current requirements.
- Cannot follow simple directions.
- Has an odd tone of voice (for example, raspy or nasal)
By 3 years
- Your child does not use at least 200 words.
- Do not ask for items by name.
- It is difficult to understand, even if you live with them.
Understand the Causes of Speech Delay
The speech delay may occur because of the following reasons.
- Possible oral impairments including tongue or palate issues
- A short frenulum that restricts tongue movement
- Any issue in the areas of the brain that are responsible for speech
- Neurological problems
- Intellectual disabilities
- Lack of Stimulation
- Problems with hearing
- Chronic ear infections
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Know the Treatment and Diagnosis of Speech Delays
If you suspect your child has a speech delay, schedule an appointment with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) as soon as possible.
The SLP or speech therapist will assess your child’s speech and language abilities. In specific, the pathologist will administer standardized tests and check for milestones in speech and language development. Also, during the diagnostic process, the SLP will check the following.
- what your kid understands (known as receptive language).
- what your child can say (known as expressive language).
- sound development and speech clarity of your kid.
- the oral-motor status of your child.
Finally, depending on the test results, the speech-language pathologist may suggest speech therapy for your kid. Speech Therapy is one of the best ways to treat speech delays. During the speech therapy, the SLPs will work with your kid to develop speech and language skills. Additionally, the speech therapists will also provide you with tips on how to support your child at home.
Tips for Parents to Support Their Child’s Speech Development
If your kid suffers from a speech problem, help them come out of that. The following are some effective ways through which you can encourage your child’s speech development at home.
- Sing and converse with your child, and encourage them to mimic sounds and movements.
- Begin reading to your child while they are babies. Look for age-appropriate soft or board books, as well as picture books that encourage children to look at and name the illustrations.
- Talk to your child throughout the day to help them develop their speech and language skills. Point out items around the house, identify items at the grocery store, and describe what you are doing while you prepare a meal or clean a place.
Conclusion
The best course of action is to identify and address speech and language delays as soon as possible. If you are worried about your child’s speech or language development, give your doctor a call. You may also visit the Asha Speech and Hearing Clinic and get assistance for speech therapy from the best speech therapists in India. Our professionals will provide individualized speech therapy and effective treatment after thoroughly examining your child.