The parents’ immense elation at the moment their child starts walking, speaking, and engaging can quickly fade if they notice their child losing skills they had once accomplished. Speech regression can be very concerning for parents.
What does speech regression in toddlers look like?
A speech or language regression in a child, is a decline in their ability to communicate or speak. If the toddler had mastered a skill and then there was a sudden loss of the particular skill.
Here are a few examples:
Loss of vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, regression in pronunciation, reduced use of speech, or echolalia (where a child can repeat words they’ve heard, but struggles to produce original, meaningful speech).
Causes of speech regression in toddlers
There are many reasons why a toddler may regress in their speech. While the first thing many parents think of is autism, jumping to this conclusion will only cause more stress.
It is important to remember the reason for the regression differ from one child to another and every child is uniquely different.
Common causes include:
Learning a new milestone, a medical condition or illness, a major life change, hearing issue, lack of stimulation, or autism spectrum disorder.
How is speech regression diagnosed?
If you notice your child is regressing developmentally, it is important to visit your medical practitioner. Diagnosing a regression typically involves a thorough evaluation by a team of healthcare specialists.
The diagnostic process can very greatly depending on the child’s age, specific concerns, and developmental stage.
The diagnostic process can include:
A medical evaluation, developmental assessment, speech and language evaluation, hearing evaluation, developmental screening tools, parent input, and psychological assessment.
It is important for parents to support their child during this time
It is crucial for the child’s well being that parents continue to support their child during this challenging time.
A few ways to support your child:
Stay calm and be patient, seek professional evaluation, maintain a consistent routine, encourage communication, engage in play, limit stressors, celebrate small steps, seek support for yourself, and explore early intervention services.
If you think your child’s speech is regressing, there is no cause for alarm. Your child is unique and wants your unconditional love and support. Seeking help from the medical profession is advised.
At First Words Speech Therapy, we understand how important this is and tailor our therapy to your child’s needs.
