Language is an essential milestone for children. It’s one of the reasons parents are always eagerly waiting for their children’s first words. The joy they feel when this developmental milestone is met can’t be described.
Unfortunately, some children may experience speech and language delay. It makes it difficult for them to communicate effectively. This is a cause for concern for parents and families since it may affect a child’s social and academic development. Parents must understand some potential causes, signs, and ways to help their children overcome speech and language delay.
Early intervention is one method used to address language and speech delay in children aged 0 to 3 years. Parents should know how to monitor their children’s language development and help them with the assistance of a speech-language pathologist during the early years. Then, they can support their young ones develop language skills and lessen these developmental delays.
Luckily, there’s plenty of information on speech and language delay. For example, you can get more information by visiting the websites of leading therapy centers in your community. This article also discusses this concept and some of the language and speech milestones to look out for as your child grows.
In This Article
- Distinguishing Between Speech And Language
- Identifying Speech and Language Delay
- Recognizing Signs of Speech and Language Delay
- Understanding Causes of Speech and Language Delay
- Seeking Help For Speech and Language Delay
- Benefits Of Early Intervention In Speech And Language Delay
- Supporting Your Child With Speech And Language Delay
Distinguishing Between Speech And Language
When thinking about communication, it’s easy to assume that speech and language are interchangeable. However, they refer to two distinct aspects of communication.
Language refers to the system of words, grammar, and syntax used to convey meaning. It’s what allows you to understand the difference between the sentences ‘The cat is on the mat’ and ‘The mat is on the cat.’ On the other hand, speech refers to the physical act of producing sounds to express language.
So, while language is the abstract system of symbols and meaning, speech is the tangible, audible expression of those symbols. Understanding the difference between the two makes it easier for you to understand which area your little one may be struggling with.
For instance, a child with speech or sound issues may have difficulty pronouncing sounds in words. In comparison, a child with a language delay may have problems with receptive language, which is understanding what others are saying. They may also have trouble with expressive language, that is, expressing themselves, including their thoughts and feelings.
Identifying Speech and Language Delay
As a parent, it can be concerning when your child struggles with speech and language development. Yet, it’s a common problem that many children face. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an estimated 1 in 12 children in the US aged between 3 and 17 have a disorder that’s related to language, speech, voice, or swallowing.
A language delay can be defined as a delay in a child’s ability to communicate effectively with others. It can include difficulties like understanding what others say or expressing themselves in words or pictures. Speech delay pertains to problems with making sounds. In short, language and speech delay refers to an impediment in meeting language and speech milestones normal for a child’s age.
Language and speech delays are among the most common developmental delays, affecting one in five children. These children learn to talk later than their agemates. Still, it’s essential to understand that language delay differs from a diagnosed Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or speech disorder.
While it’s crucial to remember that all children develop at their own pace, you must look out for signs of language delay and seek professional help, if necessary. If a language delay persists, it may indicate a potential disorder, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or DLD.
Recognizing Signs of Speech and Language Delay
It can be challenging to tell if your child has a speech and language delay. You must remember that every child is different and that they develop at their own pace. Nevertheless, there are some warning signs you can look for that could indicate a potential speech or language problem.
Lack of babbling or vocalization by 9 months
Babbling is an early form of communication that babies typically start around 4 months old. It’s normal for a baby to babble or vocalize until 9 months, and this could include sounds like ‘da-da’ or ‘ma-ma.’ If your child has not started babbling by 9 months, this could indicate a speech delay.
Difficulty understanding simple commands
By 18 months (about one and a half years), a child should understand simple commands such as ‘come here’ or ‘clap your hands.’ If you find it difficult to get them to follow directions, this may be a sign of language delay.
Limited use of gestures
Gestures are another way for children to communicate before they have language skills. Common gestures babies use include pointing, waving, and shaking their heads. If your baby isn’t using these gestures, it may indicate a possible speech delay.
Limited use of words
By 24 months, most children should have a vocabulary of at least 50 words or more that they can use to communicate their needs. At this age, they should understand ‘what’ and ‘where’ questions. They should also be able to combine two words, for instance, ‘mommy go.’ Not reaching this milestone could signify a language delay.
Difficulty forming sentences
At three years, many children can form simple sentences with three or four words. They’re expected to be able to follow two-part instructions with more complexity. For instance, ‘give me the doll and bring me a comb.’ It could signify a language delay if your child struggles to combine words into short phrases or sentences.
If your child exhibits any of these signs, you may want to consult your doctor or pediatrician to determine if they have a speech and language delay. Early discovery and intervention are vital in helping your child’s development.
Understanding Causes of Speech and Language Delay
Speech and language delay can have a variety of causes. Sometimes, it could result from an underlying medical or developmental condition causing the delay. Environmental issues could also cause it. Below are some of the causes:
Hearing Loss: The development of speech and language skills can be affected significantly by hearing loss. If a child cannot hear properly, they may struggle to understand the sounds and words they hear, making it difficult to communicate effectively.
Developmental Delay: Sometimes, speech and language delay is a symptom of a more significant developmental delay affecting a child. This could be due to physical or mental disabilities or simply a general inability to learn and understand new information as quickly as their peers.
Autism: ASD is a neurological condition that can impact a child’s communication skill development. Those with ASD may have difficulty understanding spoken language, expressing themselves verbally, and following conversations.
Family History: A family history of speech and language delay can also play a role in determining whether or not a child will experience difficulties with communication. If multiple family members experienced speech delays during childhood, the child might struggle with communication too.
Premature Birth: Premature babies often experience delays in communication development due to their limited time in the womb. A lack of oxygen can sometimes lead to speech and language delays.
Lack of stimulation or exposure to language: Environmental factors can also play a role in speech and language delay. Suppose a child does not have ample exposure to language or is not given enough opportunity for talkative interactions with peers and adults; they may have difficulty learning how to use language effectively. Further, if the home environment lacks stimulation or stimulation is inconsistent, it may also lead to delays in communication development.
Other Factors: Medical conditions such as cleft lip and palate or cerebral palsy can delay speech and language. Other factors, including poverty or a lack of early intervention services, can also contribute to delays in development.
Speech and language delay can have a range of causes, from developmental issues to hearing loss to environmental factors. By understanding these potential causes, parents can better provide practical solutions and support for children experiencing speech and language delays.
Seeking Help For Speech and Language Delay
It doesn’t matter if your child has a simple language delay and is just a ‘late talker’ or if they have a confirmed diagnosis such as DLD or ASD. If your child lags behind their peers in speech and language development, you may want to speak with a professional for an evaluation.
Asking questions can help determine whether there is cause for concern. Over time, a speech therapist and supportive parents can help children develop the necessary speech, language, and communication skills for future success.
If you’re unsure about what’s normal when it comes to your child’s speech and language development, consider talking to a qualified healthcare provider to get more information and resources.
Remember that the earlier the intervention begins, the better chance of success for your child in developing strong communication skills. And working with a qualified specialist can help you determine the best approach for getting your child up to speed.
Benefits Of Early Intervention In Speech And Language Delay
Early intervention can make a significant difference in ensuring a positive outcome. The most effective way to ensure your child communicates effectively is to ensure early recognition and treatment.
In particular, early intervention speech therapy can help improve your child’s communication ability. An early intervention speech therapist will assess their needs to create an appropriate treatment plan. This tailored plan allows for flexibility as the child progresses and can be adjusted.
Early intervention speech therapy also helps prevent further delays from occurring. Early intervention speech therapy can enable your child to catch up with their peers and build the confidence they need to succeed in their academics, social interactions, and beyond.
Supporting Your Child With Speech And Language Delay
If you suspect that your child has speech and language delay, there are many things that you can do as a parent to help. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Take your child to speech therapy sessions or enroll them in a social skills group. It’ll provide an opportunity for structured practice with peers, which helps with their communication skills.
- Provide role models instead of criticizing them for their mistakes. In the case of constant correction, especially in public, children may lose confidence in themselves and stop speaking altogether.
- Speak slowly and clearly when speaking with your child. This can help them understand the words better and give them time to process what they’re hearing.
- Talk about different topics, such as colors, numbers, shapes, or animals, to help build their vocabulary and concepts.
- Play games like Simon Says or Follow The Leader, which use verbal instructions. This game will get them used to following directions and improve their listening skills.
- Read books together often. Reading will help increase their comprehension of stories and get them used to sounding out words.
- Take advantage of technology such as apps, videos, and other digital activities that can support language development.
- Encourage your child to sing and dance—music is one of the best ways to help children express themselves and have fun while developing their language skills.
By following these tips, you’ll be helping your child progress in their ability to comprehend and communicate more effectively.
Recap
Speech and language delay is common. So, if you think your child is behind in their development, rest assured that you’re not alone. A parent’s initial reaction should not be indifference but rather a proactive approach involving medical professionals and resources to assist in helping their little one progress.
Seeking the proper assessment and treatment options is often the hardest step, though it is always worth the fight. Children must receive early intervention to ensure long-term success and continue developing their language skills. Any concerns regarding a child’s language development should be discussed with a professional.
Remember that every child is unique, so have patience with yourself and your child. To ensure your child’s language development is on track, communicate with them and provide them with a language-rich environment. Make time for play, explore ways to keep them engaged, and create positive learning experiences daily. With the proper support and drive from both parents and therapists alike, children with speech or language difficulties can succeed in building meaningful relationships through communication skills.
