If you’ve ever tried to learn a foreign language, you probably have a good idea of just how complex speech and language can be. For children with delayed speech, learning to speak their native language can be just as difficult as it might be for you to learn a second language. Thankfully, our pediatric speech-language pathologists are experts in speech and language who can help your child learn to communicate with ease.
What Is Delayed Speech?
Delayed speech simply means that a child has not achieved the speech milestones that they should have at their age. Children start to achieve these milestones in infancy. In fact, by the time your baby is about two months old, they should be making little sounds that are the beginning of their speech development. In general, if your baby is not making babbling sounds by the time they are about six months old, they may have a speech delay. But sometimes delays happen later and are more noticeable once your toddler starts trying to use words to communicate with you.
What Is the Difference Between Speech and Language?
It’s important to note that speech and language are different. While language involves understanding and using words to convey meaning, speech specifically focuses on the articulation and pronunciation of sounds. A child may have a strong grasp of language and yet still experience challenges in expressing themselves verbally.
What Causes Delayed Speech
Some children simply develop at their own pace and can master speech with extra support. Other factors that can contribute to delayed speech in children include:
- Speech disorders that make it difficult to produce or use speech sounds
- Fluency disorders that affect the flow of speech, like with stuttering
- Hearing loss, which can make it difficult to hear and mimic speech sounds
- Autism spectrum disorder, which can cause trouble with communication in general
- Down syndrome, which can impact a child’s speech and language development
- Cleft lip or palate that impacts how well a child can make speech sounds
- Tongue or lip tie that restricts movement and affects speech’
- Voice disorders that affect the quality, pitch, or volume of a child’s voice
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Can Help with Delayed Speech
Pediatric speech-language pathologists are experts in all aspects of speech and language. We can identify which specific areas of speech your child is having trouble with and develop a personalized treatment plan to address their unique needs. As part of this treatment, we use play-based, proven techniques to build your child’s speech skills so they can communicate their ideas more easily. This could include:
- Practicing specific sounds to improve pronunciation
- Doing fun activities to broaden vocabulary
- Using games to encourage communication in a relaxed setting
- Modeling clear speech and encouraging imitation
- Offering guidance and strategies for continued support at home
Schedule an Evaluation
If your child is experiencing delayed speech, Little Hands at Play is here to help. Call us at (479) 226-3409 to schedule an evaluation with our experienced speech-language pathologists today and give your child the support they need for success and confidence in life.
