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SPEECH DELAY
Delayed speech and speech disorders are often mistaken for one another, but they are quite different. However, a speech delay can sometimes precede a speech disorder. A speech delay simply means a delay in acquiring speech. There are two types: speech sound delay and language delay.
A speech sound delay occurs when a child isn’t acquiring certain speech sounds as early as expected. They may be starting to use the sounds, but haven’t fully mastered them yet. This doesn’t meet the criteria for a speech sound disorder.
A language delay happens when a child’s language development is slower than expected. The child is developing language skills, but not as quickly as their peers. Again, this doesn’t meet the criteria for a language disorder, but the child is still behind in language acquisition compared to others their age.
SPEECH DELAY SIGNS
Does your child have a speech delay?
Parents and caregivers can watch for signs that their child might have a speech delay. While comparing your child to others isn’t always advisable, in this case, it can be helpful to see if your child’s speech is similar to that of other children their age. Consider asking yourself these questions:
- By 12 months, is your child utilizing gestures?
- By 18 months, is your child vocalizing or imitating sounds?
- By 24 months, is your child producing speech spontaneously?
- By 36 months, does your child have at least 200 words in their vocabulary?
While some children are naturally late bloomers, identifying a speech delay early can significantly improve outcomes. Early detection means that some kids might only need minimal intervention, while others could avoid their speech delay developing into a speech disorder.
SPEECH DELAY CAUSES
What causes a speech delay?
There isn’t a single cause for speech delays in children, but several factors can increase the risk. Here are a few potential causes:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Speech delay can be an early sign of autism, but it doesn’t mean a child has autism. While they can occur together, one doesn’t cause the other.
Oral Impairments: Difficulties with the mouth or its structures, like a cleft palate or issues with motor planning for speech, can make learning to speak harder for children, leading to speech delays.
Speech or Language Disorders: These disorders can cause speech delays. Children may struggle with making certain sounds, understanding language, or having a limited vocabulary.
Neurological Issues: Conditions like traumatic brain injury or cerebral palsy can lead to speech or language delays due to their impact on the brain’s ability to process language.
SPEECH DELAY DIAGNOSIS
How is a speech delay diagnosed?
A speech delay is usually diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist. The process often starts with a referral from the child’s pediatrician, parent, caregiver, or even a teacher. The pathologist begins by thoroughly evaluating the child’s speech and language skills.
In some cases, the initial step is a quick screening test. If the child does not pass this screener, it signals that there might be an issue that needs further investigation. The speech-language pathologist will then conduct a more comprehensive assessment.
This full assessment involves observing how the child produces sounds, understands language, uses words and phrases, and communicates overall. The pathologist uses a combination of standardized tests and informal observations to get a complete understanding of the child’s communication abilities. They also take into account the child’s age, developmental history, and any potential medical conditions.
A speech delay is diagnosed when a child is not meeting the typical milestones for their age but does not have a speech disorder. If a delay is identified, the pathologist may recommend early intervention services to help the child catch up and prevent the delay from developing into a disorder.
SPEECH DELAY TREATMENT
How is speech delay treated?
Speech-language therapists are essential in creating tailored interventions for specific speech and language challenges. These interventions often include techniques like articulation exercises, language-building activities, and communication strategies. Therapy sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, promoting the development of speech and language skills through repetition and practice.
The treatment for a speech delay depends on which aspects of speech are delayed. If a child hasn’t mastered certain speech sounds by the expected age, but those sounds are beginning to emerge, therapy might involve repetitive practice of these sounds to help the child catch up with their peers.
On the other hand, if the delay is more language-based, such as not developing a vocabulary at the same rate as their peers, language intervention might be necessary. This could involve exposing the child to more literature or focusing on specific language components like adjectives, pronouns, irregular verbs, or other areas where they are experiencing delays.