Recognizing Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays in Children

Articles

May 1

May is designated as Better Hearing & Speech Month, a time to raise awareness about communication disorders and promote the importance of early intervention. Speech and language delays are among children's most common developmental disorders, affecting approximately 10-15% of kids. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with speech and language delays.

It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize the early signs of speech and language delays. Some common signs to look for in young children include:

Lack of babbling or cooing by 12 months
Failure to respond to sounds or voices
Limited vocabulary or difficulty communicating basic needs by age 2
Difficulty understanding simple instructions or questions
Stuttering, repeating words or phrases, or struggling to get words out

If you notice these or any other concerns, it is important to speak with your child's pediatrician and in many cases, a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention services often include speech therapy, language therapy, or other specialized services to support your child's communication development. At Tilton’s Therapy, our team of compassionate and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologists can provide evaluation, intervention, and family-centered home programs. By recognizing the early signs and seeking appropriate intervention, we can help children reach their full potential and thrive in their communication skills.

Early Intervention

Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with speech and language delays. By working with healthcare professionals, parents and caregivers can help children receive the support they need to improve their communication skills and reach their maximum potential.

In addition to seeking medical help, there are also ways that parents and caregivers can assist at home to support their child's communication development. Ideas can include reading to your child, talking to them frequently, and engaging in activities that promote language development, such as singing songs or playing games that involve naming objects or describing actions.

If you are looking for speech-centered activities which aid in children’s developmental skills, check out our mobile app! We feature many different activities you can do at home with your children, including ideas with complete instructions, printable resources, and more.

Good Conversation

It is also essential for parents or caregivers to create a language-rich environment for their child at home. This means having conversations with them throughout the day, asking them questions and listening to their responses, and teaching them to new words and concepts. Parents can also model good communication skills by speaking clearly and slowly, articulating their words, and using simple language when talking to their children.

For children with speech and language delays, it is important to provide consistent support and practice. This may involve practicing specific sounds or words or working on communication in different settings, such as at home, school, or with a speech therapist.

Common Issues

The most common speech issues in children include articulation disorders, language disorders, and fluency disorders.

Articulation Disorders

Articulation disorders are a type of speech disorder in which a child has difficulty producing sounds or pronouncing words correctly. This can make their speech difficult to understand or lead to speech that sounds immature for their age. For example, a child with an articulation disorder may struggle to say certain sounds, such as "s" or "r," or may substitute one sound for another, such as saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit." Early intervention through speech therapy can help children with articulation disorders improve their speech and communication skills.

Language Disorders

Language disorders are a type of developmental disorder in which a child has difficulty understanding or using language effectively. This can include difficulty with grammar, vocabulary, or sentence structure, and may result in difficulty communicating effectively with others. Children with language disorders may also struggle with social communication, such as maintaining eye contact or taking turns in conversation. Early intervention through speech therapy can help children with language disorders improve their communication skills and social interactions.

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorders are a type of speech disorder that can cause disruptions in a child's speech flow, such as stuttering or repeating words or phrases. This can lead to difficulties in communication and social interactions. Early intervention through speech therapy can help children with fluency disorders improve their speech and communication skills.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these issues and to seek early intervention if they notice any concerns. With the right support and therapy, children can make significant progress and improve their communication skills.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

Speech therapy can be a valuable tool for children with early signs of speech and language delays. A speech-language pathologist can work with your child to develop specific communication goals and provide targeted interventions to improve their language skills. Therapy may involve activities such as articulation exercises, language games, and social communication practice. With the help of a skilled therapist, children can make significant progress in their communication abilities and gain confidence in their interactions with others.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be aware of the early signs of speech and language delays and to take action if you notice any concerns. With the right support and intervention, children with communication disorders can overcome their challenges and thrive in their communication skills. If you notice signs of potential developmental delay in speech for your child or a loved one, take the first step and contact our team for an evaluation.

Let's continue to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and support for children with speech and language delays, not just during Better Hearing & Speech Month, but throughout the year!