Speech and Language Delays – What They Are & How To Treat Them
Many parents are familiar with the concept of milestones, the things that children are supposed to be able to do by a certain age. Some, particularly those not set professionals, can get a bit aggressive. When children fail to meet conservative, scientifically based milestones with regards to speech and language development, however, it might be a good idea to have the child’s language skills assessed and seek out speech therapy if needed. Speech and language delays can hamper other portions of the child’s development.
What Are Speech and Language Delays?
Speech and language delays encompass two different problems that children might have when learning to communicate.
Speech delays refer to problems correctly forming words in a way others can understand.
Language delays, on the other hand, refer to problems stringing words together into more complete thoughts.
In some, but far from all, cases, this could be coupled with difficulty processing language as well.
Milestones that can be signs of delays when not hit include not speaking single words by 15 months, not combining words by age 2, and not having most speech be understandable even to strangers by age four.
What Causes Speech and Language Delays?
Sometimes, speech and language delays are a secondary symptom of deeper issues. Medical issues that can cause delays include:
- Hearing Problems
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Apraxia
- Dysarthria
Hearing problems is not limited to permanent hearing problems or complete hearing loss. Persistent ear infections, for instance, can lead to speech delays, especially if they are in both ears.
In other cases, the speech and language problems exist on their own, as in the case of developmental speech and language delay and expressive language disorder.
Some might be caused by issues with the mouth, such as problems with the tongue or palate or the fold beneath the tongue being shorter than normal.
How to Treat Speech and Language Delays
In many, although not all, cases, speech therapy can help increase the child’s language skills. To what degree depends on the cause and how early the therapy begins.
For instance with speech therapy the prognosis for developmental speech and language delay is good, with children typically catching up to their peers. In other cases, like cerebral palsy, the speech therapy might take a different form. Teaching of alternative methods of communication might then take precedence, with a goal of enhancing communication more than perfecting speech.
In many cases, speech therapy for children will include a combination of sessions with the therapist along with exercises for the children to work on with their families.
Contact Comprehensive Rehab for Speech Therapy Services
Comprehensive Rehab offers children’s speech therapy services at our locations in Clinton and Maquoketa, Iowa. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Read More About Children’s Speech Therapy Services
The Impact of Speech Therapy on Cleft Palate Communication
Navigating Expressive Language Disorders with Speech Therapy
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
Speech and Language Delays – What They Are & How To Treat Them