Secondary speech and language delays are attributable to another condition such as hearing loss, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, physical speech problems, or selective mutism. Types of primary speech and language delay include developmental speech and language delay, expressive language disorder, and receptive language disorder. In children not meeting the expected milestones for speech and language, a comprehensive developmental evaluation is essential, because atypical language development can be a secondary characteristic of other physical and developmental problems that may first manifest as language problems. Although physicians should be alert to parental concerns and to whether children are meeting expected developmental milestones, there currently is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine use of formal screening instruments in primary care to detect speech and language delay. ![]() Your child's oral–motor status (how the mouth, tongue, palate, etc., work together for speech as well as eating and swallowing)īased on the results, the SLP may recommend speech therapy for your child.Speech and language delay in children is associated with increased difficulty with reading, writing, attention, and socialization.Your child’s sound development and clarity of speech.What your child can say (called expressive language).What your child understands (called receptive language).More specifically, your SLP will evaluate: During the initial evaluation, they will ask about your toddler’s speech and language capabilities, as well as other developmental milestones and behaviors to make the appropriate diagnosis. ![]() If your child might have a problem, it's important to see a healthcare provider or speech-language pathologist. They’re the most qualified professional to administer an evaluation and diagnosis. If you think your child may have a speech or language delay, it’s important to seek help from a speech therapist. ![]() Distinguishing between the two is important as it will inform treatment decisions. Some children have either a speech delay or language delay, and some have both. The inability to interpret your child can be frustrating and disheartening for a parent.Ĭonversely, a toddler with a language delay may make the correct sounds and pronounce some words, but they can’t form phrases or sentences that make sense. While they may use words and phrases to express ideas, they often have trouble forming the correct sounds. A child with a speech delay is often difficult to understand. Speech is the physical act of producing sounds and saying words. While speech delays and language delays are often confused and difficult for untrained professionals to tell apart, there are important differences. Is There a Difference Between a Speech Delay and a Language Delay? Speech delays can be effectively treated, and research has shown that earlier interventions lead to better outcomes. This is why assessment and diagnosis by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) is so important. ![]() It is a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children.īecause all children progress on their own timeline, it can be different for parents to tell whether their child is just a late talker (and will soon be chatting a million miles a minute), or whether there’s a serious problem that needs professional treatment. By age 3, their vocabulary increases to as many as 1,000 words.Ī speech delay is when a toddler doesn’t meet these typical speech milestones. A typical 2-year-old can say about 50 words and speak in two- and three-word sentences. As the months pass, toddlers eventually begin to babble which soon progresses into one of the most joyous moments for a parent - their child’s first understandable words. Speech and language skills begin with the slightest cooing of an infant. Today, I’d like to dive deeper into what a speech delay is (and is not), and how it is commonly diagnosed by a speech therapist. In our previous blog, we reviewed some common signs that your child may have a speech delay.
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