Language Development In Children: Speech Delay

One of the major questions asked by any new parent is “When will my child speak?” or “Why is my child not speaking?”  More often than not, the concern is baseless and children soon begin to talk in words and then whole sentences. 

What is Speech Delay?

Speech delay is a communication problem.  It affects three to ten percent of children.  Children between three and 16 years of age are susceptible to it, and boys seem more likely to get it.  Children who are afflicted are unable to converse properly i.e., as compared to other kids their age.

When should a child start speaking?

There is no particular age when a child develops verbal skills.  Some children start speaking single words at 10 to 12 months and then slowly begin speaking whole sentences; others start speaking clearly by three years of age, and some have not even spoken a word till two and a half and suddenly start talking in full sentences.

Causes of Speech Delay

• The child may be busy learning other things and simply does not feel the need to communicate.

• Lack of balanced diet has slowed down the child’s development.

• Emotional stress has made the child fearful of expressing himself.

• A child in an abusive home often has this problem because of lack of communication.

• Mentally retarded children often suffer from speech delay.

How to recognize Speech Delay

• A good pediatrician will give you a chart of developmental milestones, and if your child has not met the verbal development milestone, consult your pediatrician.

• Compare your child with others his/her age.  If your child lags behind by at least a year, he may be exhibiting the symptoms of speech delay.

• The child can not comprehend and follow simply worded directions.

• The child’s speech is slow and he can not form words by the age of three.

• The child has problems forming sentences, and can not place words in the right order or sequence by three years of age.

• If the child distorts certain syllables, can not articulate clearly and/or omits or can not pronounce certain sounds.

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