Speech Delay in Children: Signs, Causes & When to See a Speech Therapist
Speech Delay in Children: Signs, Causes & When to See a Speech Therapist
Every child develops communication skills at an individual pace. However, when parents notice ongoing concerns about speech, language or communication, professional guidance can help identify what may be contributing to the concern and what support may be appropriate.
A speech therapist can assess speech and language skills, while an audiologist can assess hearing when hearing is a possible factor affecting communication.
Speech Development
Children develop speech and language skills over time, and individual development can vary.
Hearing Matters
Hearing assessment may be considered when there are concerns about a child's communication development.
Early Support
Professional assessment can help families understand their child's communication needs and possible next steps.
What Is Speech Delay?
Speech and language development includes many different skills, such as understanding language, using words, combining words, producing speech sounds and communicating with others.
A child may experience difficulty in one or more areas. Because every child's development is different, concerns should be considered in the context of the child's overall development and communication abilities.
Signs Parents May Want to Discuss With a Professional
- Limited use of words compared with what parents expect.
- Difficulty expressing needs or ideas.
- Difficulty understanding or following communication.
- Speech that is difficult for familiar listeners to understand.
- Concerns about communication that persist over time.
Could Hearing Affect Speech and Language Development?
Hearing provides children with access to spoken sounds and language. When hearing concerns are present, a child may have difficulty accessing speech sounds and spoken communication.
This is why hearing assessment can be an important part of understanding some children's communication concerns. An audiologist can perform an appropriate hearing evaluation, while a speech therapist can assess speech and language skills.
What Does a Speech Therapist Do?
Communication Skills
Supports development of appropriate communication skills based on individual needs.
Language Skills
Helps address individual language and communication difficulties.
Speech Skills
Supports children with specific speech production and communication requirements.
When Should Parents Consult a Speech Therapist?
Parents do not need to wait until communication difficulties become severe before discussing their concerns with a professional. If you are concerned about your child's speech, language or communication development, a speech therapist can help assess the child's current abilities and discuss appropriate support.
Why Hearing Evaluation May Also Be Considered
When a child has communication concerns, an audiologist may recommend or perform a hearing assessment when appropriate. Understanding a child's hearing status can provide useful information when considering speech and language support.
Supporting Your Child's Communication Journey
Kedar Speech & Hearing Clinic provides speech therapy, pediatric audiology and hearing evaluation services in Porvorim, Goa; Gadhinglaj and Satara, Maharashtra; and Nipani, Karnataka.