New research on speech and language development has shown wearing masks over the last couple of years appears to have an adverse effect on our children’s development speech. Causing serious delays in speech and language.
Clemson Edu explains:
Typically, about 1 in 6 children experience a developmental delay. But children born during the pandemic, a 2022 study has found, have nearly twice the risk of developmental delays in communication and social development compared to babies born prior to the pandemic.
The reason, some researchers believe, is related to less interaction with other children, among other factors.
Delays in communication can mean a child learns to talk later, talks less or uses gestures like pointing instead of talking. Social developmental delays might be present when a child doesn’t respond to their name when called, doesn’t look at what adults are paying attention to in the environment, or doesn’t play with other children or with trusted adults.
Here are a few tips for parents and caregivers for children with developmental delays
Get children talking
Talking is how we communicate and share experiences. Create situations where your child has to talk to receive something. For instance, put their favorite snack or toy in a clear plastic container or sealed bag. The child can see the item, but won’t be able to get it by themselves, they will need to ask for help.
You can also present the child with two choices, they will have to say which one they want. It doesn’t matter if the words are not perfect, it is important that they make an effort to talk.
Check back with us next week as we continue with speech and language tips for children with developmental delays, until then, contact First Words Speech Therapy.
At First Words Speech Therapy, our therapists are trained with extensive clinical experience which they continuously improve upon by remaining current with clinically proven, evidence-based evaluation and therapy practices. Our therapists are devoted to providing your child with the highest quality of care and we are here to help.
