Could your child have a speech delay?

Speech delays affect two to 13 percent of children ages five through eight and affect boys one and a half times more often than girls, making speech problems a common childhood disorder. Although many pediatricians suggest that parents wait until children reach age two before evaluating them for speech disorders, Dr. Jan Turner, Director of the Speech-Language Department of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, stated that, “Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can evaluate the emerging speech and language skills of infants and toddlers.” With help from parents, “SLPs can determine whether development is proceeding as expected and whether any other issues should be addressed.” Earlier treatment decreases the possibility that delays will interfere with a child’s ability to develop friendships and succeed academically.

Normal infant speech development begins with the birth cry. At about 12 months of age, children use their first “true word.” “The ‘true word’ might not sound like the adult pronunciation of the word, but would be used to refer to that person or object consistently,” explained Dr. Turner.

At 18 months, children begin combining words. Examples include “mommy go,” “more cookie,” or “no night-night.” Children also might start using simple grammar, such as adding “ing” to words.

By the age of two, children’s speech should be understandable most of the time to a parent or caregiver. By the time a child turns four, unfamiliar adults should understand them, even though some of the speech sounds may be incorrect.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the most common causes of speech delays are hearing loss, slow development, and mental retardation. “Because speech and language are so complicated and they rest on so many other skills that children develop, we often don’t know a specific cause for delays in their development,” said Dr. Turner.

“Parents who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development can speak with their child’s pediatrician about their concerns,” said Dr. Turner. There’s no need to rush to a specialist, because speech-language pathologists work closely with pediatricians. “This connection is important because, sometimes, speech-language disorders are an early sign of other developmental difficulties,” Dr. Turner said.

Having a professional test your child is beneficial, even when formal speech-language treatment isn’t needed. Specialists answer parents’ questions and teach them how to use techniques that will improve their child’s speech development. Test results also create a benchmark, so if the child needs future testing there’s something to compare it to.

When parents provide a safe and loving environment that fosters speech development, every child benefits. Dr. Turner recommends several strategies that build speech and language skills in toddlers and preschoolers:

* Keep language directed to young children short and simple.

*Ask questions or give directions one at a time and leave enough time for the child to answer.

* Read age-appropriate books together. Take turns telling and re-telling the story and talking about the pictures.

* Talk about the things you are doing (e.g. taking a bath or cooking supper).

* If the child communicates with gestures, repeat the message they told you in simple words, but don’t require them to repeat the words before acting on the request. (e.g. “Go outside now?”)

* Focus on the content of the child’s message instead of the way he or she said it to keep communication going.

* Visit the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association for further information.

Even if your child has speech delays, the speech-language specialists may just tell you to be patient. The AAFP explains, “Your child may not need any treatment. Some children just take more time to start talking.”