A speech or language delay can be frustrating for both the child and parent. If not treated, some speech delays can cause social and academic difficulties.
A child with a language delay may have difficulty using and learning language skills. This can involve issues with speech, sentences, words, and sounds. It can also include problems understanding what people are saying.
Not all children have the same type of speech delay. The three main types that may appear.
This is when a child has trouble understanding speech, which can be seen with issues, answering questions, following directions or understanding conversations.
Expressive language delay
This is when using speech is an issue. A child can have trouble asking questions, putting sentences together or saying words.
Mixed receptive expressive language delay
This is when a child may have trouble with a mixture of receptive and expressive language skills
What can cause a speech delay?
When it comes to possible causes for a child’s speech delay, there are many, but the cause may not be known. There are a few risk factors that can increase the probability of a speech delay.
Family history
If you have a history of speech delays in your family, the risk for your children to develop a speech delay may be higher.
Premature birth
A child born prematurely may also be at a higher risk for a speech delay
Medical conditions
A medical condition, such as cerebral palsy, cleft palate, hearing loss, and others can affect a child’s speech.
Developmental disabilities
Developmental disabilities in a child, such as Down Syndrome or autism, tend to have more speech challenges.
How is a child’s speech delay diagnosed?
A speech therapist can evaluate your child, ask about the child’s medical history, development and family history.
At First Words Speech Therapy we design a program that will best meet your child’s basic, medical, emotional, and academic needs as they pertain to speech and language. In this manner, parental involvement is a key component in assisting with the therapy process and is achieved through parent education and carryover in the home.
