Speech Delay in Toddlers and Young Children
Warning signs every parent
should know!
The moment their child utters the words “Mama” or “Papa” for
the very first time is one of the most profound and beautiful moments in a
parent’s life. From two-syllable words to short phrases and finally to complete
sentences - speech and language development in children is an exciting and
crucial milestone in their early years.
Dear parents, while there is a wide range of normal
development, we understand that sometimes you may become concerned if you
notice signs of speech delay in your little one. Treat this blog as a
repository of warning signs of speech delay. Read through to understand the
whys and whens of speech and language development. We also request you to keep
an open mind about seeking professional guidance to support your child's
development.
Understanding
Speech Delay
Speech delay refers to a
situation where a child is not meeting the expected milestones for speech and
language development within a certain age range. It's important to remember
that every child develops at their own pace, and some variation in language
development is normal. It is important to recognise the signs of a probable
delay and seek help for the sake of your child’s long-term development.
Signs of speech
delay in young children
Limited vocabulary
Children with speech delays
may have a limited vocabulary for their age. They may struggle to learn and use
new words.
Articulation
troubles
Persistent difficulty in
pronouncing sounds or words correctly, especially as a child gets older, can be
a sign of speech delay.
Limited use of
gestures
Young children often use
gestures like pointing or waving along with their speech to communicate. This
is called non-verbal communication and is an important early childhood
milestone. A delay may be indicated if these gestures are limited.
Social
communication challenges
Children with speech delays
may have trouble engaging in social interactions or maintaining eye contact
during conversations.
Echolalia
Repeating sounds, words, or
phrases excessively, known as echolalia, can be a sign of delayed speech.
Inability to follow
instructions
Struggles in understanding
and following simple instructions can be indicative of a language delay.
Age-specific
warning signs
Below are typical signs of
speech delay parents and caregivers need to be aware of.
No babbling by 6 months
By
12 months
● Not uttering single-syllable or
consonant-vowel sounds like ‘ma’ ‘na’ ‘pa’, etc.
● Not using gestures like waving, pointing,
etc.
By
18 months
● Not imitating sounds
●
Trouble
understanding others
●
Using
gestures to communicate instead of words
● Saying only a few words (if at all)
By
24 months
● Not able to understand simple commands and
instructions
● Not combining words ‘noun+action’, for
instance ‘Mamma come’
2
years
● Knows less than 50 words (if at all)
● Not interacting with others of same age
3
years
● Not speaking in short sentences
●
Not
using plural words in sentences
● Identifying and pointing at body parts
4
years
● Not able to relay simple stories
●
Not
able to form sentences with 4-5 words
●
Not
able to understand pronouns like ‘you’ and ‘me’
When to seek
professional help
If you observe one or more of the above
mentioned warning signs in your little one, we urge you to seek professional
guidance. Early intervention is essential in addressing speech delays. Below
are a few indicators of when to consult with a speech therapist or speech and
language pathologist (SLP):
● No progress: Child’s speech is progressing
or improving over time
●
Regression:
Child loses speech or language skills they had acquired previously.
●
Behavioural
patterns: Child becomes frustrated or exhibits behavioral issues due to
communication difficulties
●
Social
awkwardness: Child struggles to interact with peers or engage in
age-appropriate social play due to language limitations
● Concerns raised by others: If teachers,
caregivers, or other family members express concerns about your little one's
speech development
Speech and language therapy at Plexus
At Plexus, our speech therapy programs
focus on sound production, speech fluency, and language development. We also
work towards correcting the child’s communication problems, including
stuttering, poor articulation, speech volume, and breath control. Our team of
experienced speech and language pathologists, headed by Dr Na’eem Sadiq, will
help your child overcome their speech delay with the best speech therapy program that
features:
●
Larynx closure exercises
●
Mirror exercises
●
Sign language
●
Flashcards
●
Tongue exercises
●
Use of augmentative devices
Through regular speech therapy and
follow-ups your child will be able to –
●
Associate words with ideas
●
Articulate whole sentences
●
Distinguish between words and sounds
●
Speak clearly and intelligibly
●
Improve reading and writing skills
●
Develop higher self-esteem
●
Hold conversations in a social setting
●
Participate effectively in social and
academic pursuits
●
Improve concept formation, comprehension,
and pragmatic skills
Things you can do
at home to help your child with speech delay
Be an active participant in
your child's therapy sessions and practice recommended activities at home to
reinforce progress.
Make sure you create a
language-rich environment at home. Encourage language development by reading to
your child, talking to them, and engaging in interactive play. When speaking to
your children, especially when they’re babies and toddlers, avoid baby-talk.
Use rich language, complete sentences with correct pronunciation. Speech is
acquired through hearing too.
Reduce, and if possible
completely avoid, screens at home. Television and mobile phones are passive
one-way communicators. Research shows a direct link between screen time and
speech delay.
Regularly track your
child's progress with the guidance of your child’s speech therapist. Adjust
interventions and your own expectations accordingly.
Now that you’ve read till
here, we’d like to remind you that speech and language development can vary
among children. No two children are the same. Just because your child is not an
“early talker”, you don’t need to rush to a speech therapist. Keep an eye out
for the warning signs mentioned in this blog. If your child doesn’t meet the
age-appropriate criteria for speech, then yes, consult a speech therapist right
away.
Remember, early intervention is key.
And, nothing can help a child with speech delay as much as
speech therapy!
Reach out to our team of expert speech therapists today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91
82299 99888 (Bangalore)
******************************************
FAQs
When
should you worry about your child’s speech?
If by the age of two years, your child does not utter short
phrases (two or more words), does not know more than 50 odd words, does not
speak spontaneously, and only repeats what others say, then you will need to
consult a speech therapist.
Which
age is critical for speech development?
The first three years of life are critical speech development.
What
is the youngest age for speech therapy?
This can vary from child to child. Many children with
developmental disabilities and congenital cerebral palsy often start with
therapy as babies.
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