In last week’s blog we talked about how a parent or caregiver can know if a toddler has a speech or language delay. While the timetable for each child is different, early intervention can make all the difference.
A three year old child who can’t say many words, but can nonverbally comprehend and communicate, may have a speech delay.
A language delay entails the understanding of communicating, both nonverbal and verbally. While they may pronounce words correctly, their sentences or phrases many not make sense.
There are several reasons why a child may have a speech or language disorder.
Hearing loss
It can be difficult for a child to form words correctly if they hear distorted speech or can’t hear well. Signs of hearing loss are often very subtle. If your child acknowledges an object or person when you use gestures, but not when you name them, is one sign of hearing loss.
Autism spectrum disorder
It is common for a child with autism spectrum disorder to have speech and language issues. Signs may include repeating phrases and behavior, impaired nonverbal and verbal communication, speech regression, and impaired social interaction.
Neurological problems
The muscles that are required for speech can be affected by certain neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.
Disabilities
Instead of not being able to form words, it may be a cognitive issue due to some type of disability.
Early intervention is very important. If your child is not meeting their speech or language milestones, contact First Words Therapy. We provide a comprehensive evaluation for a variety of speech, language, and occupational needs. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to meet your child’s speech and language needs.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Offers These Tips for Helping Your Child
Talk a lot to your child. This will help your child learn new words.
Read to your child every day. Point out the words you see.
Point to signs in the grocery store, at school, and outside.
Speak to your child in the language you know best.
Listen and answer when your child talks.
Get your child to ask you questions.
Give your child time to answer questions.
Set time limits for watching TV and using computers. Use the time for talking and reading together.
Here are more activities for building your child’s speech and language skills.
