Posted on Apr 28, 2023

As parents, we all want our children to develop healthy and happy lives. And one of the most critical factors in a child's development is their ability to communicate.

However, some children may experience difficulties in their speech and language development. If not addressed, these problems can negatively impact a child's social and academic performance.

Identifying the signs of speech disorders in your child early on can help them receive the necessary support and intervention. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common signs of speech disorders in children and what parents can do to help.

What is Speech Disorder in Children?

Speech disorders in children refer to difficulties with speech and language that negatively impact their ability to communicate effectively. These disorders can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty pronouncing sounds, trouble expressing themselves, or difficulty understanding others.

Speech disorders in children can have various causes, including:

• Genetics: Children with a family history of speech disorders may be more likely to develop them.
• Developmental delays: Children with developmental delays may experience speech and language difficulties due to delays in their overall development.
• Neurological conditions: Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or autism, can impact a child's speech and language development.
• Hearing loss: Hearing loss can impact a child's ability to hear and produce speech sounds correctly.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins or other environmental factors, such as secondhand smoke, may impact a child's speech and language development.

It's important to identify the underlying cause of a child's speech disorder to develop an effective treatment plan. A speech-language pathologist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the cause of the speech disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it.

Types of Speech Disorders

There are several types of speech disorders that can affect children. Here are some of the most common types and a brief description of each:

• Articulation disorders: Difficulties with the production of specific sounds or sound combinations. Children with articulation disorders may substitute, omit, or distort sounds, making their speech difficult to understand.
• Phonological disorders: Problems with the sound system of a language. Children with phonological disorders may have difficulty understanding and producing the sound patterns of their language.
• Fluency disorders: Issues with the flow of speech. Children with fluency disorders may stutter or stammer, experience prolongations or repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, or have difficulty starting or stopping speech.
• Voice disorders: Trouble with the quality, pitch, or volume of the voice. Children with voice disorders may sound hoarse, breathy, or strained when speaking.
• Language disorders: Difficulties with the comprehension or expression of language. Children with language disorders may have difficulty understanding spoken or written language, or they may have trouble expressing themselves through words, gestures, or other means of communication.
• Pragmatic disorders: Issues with the social use of language. Children with pragmatic disorders may have trouble with turn-taking, maintaining eye contact, or understanding nonverbal cues in communication.

It's essential to seek the evaluation of a speech-language pathologist to identify the specific type of speech disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it.

Related: Does Speech Therapy Work? A Guide For Parents 

Warning Signs of Speech Disorder in Your Child

Now, if you are reading this, you are probably wondering “Does my child have a Speech Disorder?”. Keep reading to learn all about the warning signs of speech disorder you should keep an eye on.

Difficulty with Pronunciation

One of the most recognizable signs of a speech disorder is difficulty with pronunciation. Children may struggle with specific sounds or make consistent errors. Common mispronunciations include substituting one sound for another or leaving off sounds at the end of words. For example, a child may say "tate" instead of "cake" or "do" instead of "dog."

Causes of pronunciation difficulties can vary, but they can include hearing loss, developmental delays, and muscle weakness. The earlier these issues are identified, the better the chances for successful treatment. If you notice your child struggling with pronunciation, it's essential to talk to their healthcare provider or a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation.

Trouble with Expressing Themselves

Another sign of a speech disorder is difficulty expressing oneself. This can manifest in several ways, such as struggling with sentence structure, finding the right words, or not being able to communicate wants and needs effectively.

For example, a child may have trouble forming complete sentences or may struggle to find the words they need to express themselves. They may also rely on single words or nonverbal communication to convey their message.

Possible reasons for expressive language difficulties can include developmental delays, cognitive impairment, or neurological disorders. Parents who notice their child having trouble expressing themselves should seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist to determine the underlying cause.

Difficulty Understanding Others

Receptive language difficulties refer to a child's ability to understand what is said to them. Children with receptive language difficulties may struggle to follow directions, misunderstand questions or statements, or have trouble comprehending what others are saying.

For example, a child may not understand the difference between "in" and "on" or may have trouble following multi-step instructions.

Causes of receptive language difficulties can include hearing loss, cognitive impairment, or neurological disorders. Parents who notice their child having trouble understanding what is said to them should seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist.

Stuttering or Stammering

Stuttering or stammering is a speech disorder that affects the flow of speech. Children who stutter may repeat sounds, syllables, or whole words or have long pauses between words. They may also experience physical tension or struggle to get words out.

Stuttering can have several causes, such as genetics, developmental factors, or neurological conditions. If you notice your child stuttering, it's important to seek the evaluation of a speech-language pathologist.

Delayed Language Development

Language development follows a predictable sequence, with children reaching certain milestones at specific ages. If a child fails to meet these milestones, it may indicate delayed language development.

For example, a child who is not speaking any words by 18 months of age or not using two-word phrases by 24 months of age may be experiencing delayed language development.

Possible reasons for delayed language development can include hearing loss, developmental delays, or cognitive impairment. Early intervention is crucial for children experiencing delayed language development to ensure they receive the support they need to reach their potential.

Why Early Intervention is Key

Early intervention is critical for children experiencing speech disorders. During early childhood, the brain is rapidly developing, and this is the best time to provide support to help children develop their communication skills successfully. The earlier a child receives intervention, the more likely they are to make progress and achieve their full potential.

Early intervention can also prevent other issues that may arise from untreated speech disorders, such as social isolation, academic difficulties, and low self-esteem. Therefore, it's important for parents to seek help as soon as they notice any signs of speech disorders in their child.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Speech Disorder

If you suspect your child has a speech disorder, the first step is to talk to their healthcare provider. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

During the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist will assess your child's communication skills and identify any areas of difficulty. Based on their findings, they will create a personalized treatment plan to help your child reach their communication goals.

It's also essential to gather information about your child's developmental history and any other factors that may impact their speech and language skills. This can include their hearing status, medical history, and family history of speech and language disorders.

Conclusion

Identifying the signs of speech disorders in your child early on can make a significant difference in their communication and overall development. Parents who notice any signs of speech disorders in their child should seek a professional evaluation from a speech-language pathologist.

At Dempster Therapeutic Services, we specialize in pediatric speech therapy and offer bilingual services in English and Polish. Our team of experienced speech-language pathologists provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help children reach their communication goals.

If you have any concerns about your child's speech and language development, we invite you to schedule a free initial phone consultation. Our team is here to support your child's communication and overall development every step of the way.