My baby isn't talking - should I be worried?

"My baby isn't talking..."

"My little one hasn't  said mamma (or dadda) yet..."

The end of the phrases above is usually the same: is this Speech Delay? Should I be worried?

If you ask any parent if that question has ever crossed their minds, the answer is usually:

YES.

And that's because speech delay is a common concern among us parents of young children. Which makes sense, since early identification of speech delay is the first step to ensure that your child receives the support they need to develop their language skills.

In this article, we will discuss the early signs of speech delay, how to identify it, and how you can support your child if you suspect they have speech delay.

But first, what is speech delay?

Speech delay refers to a delay in a child's ability to produce speech sounds, use words, or communicate effectively and its signs can appear as early as six months of age.

The chart below shows you the developmental normals for speech and language development:

Signs of speech delay

If you notice that your baby isn't responding to sounds or vocalizing by 6 to 9 months, or your toddler isn't using gestures like pointing or waving "bye-bye" by 12 months, it can be a red flag.

By 18 months, the child should be using vocalizations to communicate rather than relying solely on gestures. If they struggle to imitate sounds or have difficulty understanding simple verbal requests, it's worth seeking advice from a pediatrician.

For children over 2 years old, it's essential to have them evaluated by a pediatrician if they:

• can only imitate speech or actions but don't produce words or phrases by themselves,

• have trouble following simple directions

• say only certain words and only those words repeatedly

• or speak with an unusual tone of voice (a hearing exam and speech therapy may be necessary)

It's important to keep in mind that children's speech and language development varies, but generally, you should understand:

• half of what your two-year-old says, 

• three-quarters of what a three-year-old says, and 

• 100% of what a four-year-old says.

If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

Not every delay in speech development is speech delay.

Wait, what?

For example, bilingual children may show a delay in one language as they are learning two languages simultaneously. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate a speech delay. 

Similarly, some children may have a delay in speech development due to hearing loss or another medical condition, but with appropriate treatment and support, they can catch up to their peers. Additionally, some children may simply be late bloomers and catch up to their peers without intervention.

It is important to note that excessive screen time can also have a negative impact on speech development in young children. Studies have shown that screen time can delay language development, as it takes away from the time children spend engaging in face-to-face interactions with their caregivers and peers. To overcome this, it is recommended that parents limit their child's screen time and prioritize activities that promote socialization and language development. 

Would you like to know which activities can improve your child's speech (and overall) development? Then keep on reading.

What causes speech delay?

Speech delay can have various causes, such as:

• Hearing loss: As mentioned above, children with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing speech sounds and may not develop language skills at the same pace as their peers. If left untreated, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a child's speech and language development.

• Developmental delays: Some children may have delays in their overall development, including language development. This may be due to genetic factors, birth complications, or environmental factors such as a lack of stimulation or interaction.

• Neurological disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism, or Down syndrome, can impact a child's speech and language development. These conditions can affect a child's ability to coordinate the movements necessary for speech or to process and understand language.

• Environmental factors: Factors such as a lack of exposure to language, limited access to educational resources, or socio-economic factors can also contribute to speech delay. Children who grow up in homes where little language is spoken or who do not have access to educational resources may have a higher risk of speech delay.

Early Intervention

Early identification of speech delay and intervention can make a significant difference in a child's language development.

If you suspect your child has speech delay, talk to your child's pediatrician and consider seeking a speech-language evaluation.

Supporting your child’s language and speech development

In addition to seeking professional help, there are things you can do at home to support your child's speech development. Here are some tips of activities:

• Talk to your child often. Engage in conversation, even if your child is not yet talking.

• Read to your child every day. This can help build vocabulary and language skills. Books and Flashcards are great resources for that.

• Use gestures and facial expressions to communicate with your child.

• Play games that involve following simple directions, such as "Simon Says."

• When it comes to play time, go with educational toys that are designed to stimulate a child's cognitive and developmental abilities (like blocks, puzzles, shape sorters, and Busy Books), while also encouraging creativity and imagination. They are designed to challenge children at their appropriate developmental level, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and boosting their self-esteem.

• Provide opportunities for your child to socialize with other children their age.

• Reduce screentime as much as possible. By reducing screen time and increasing social interaction, parents can help support their child's speech development and set them up for success in the future.

In conclusion, speech delay can be a concern for all of us parents. If you suspect your child has speech delay, it's crucial to take action and seek professional help. With early intervention and support, you can set your little one for success in terms of their speech development.

At Play Paper Scissor we make educational resources for at home play and speech therapy. To check our store, please visit: www.etsy.ca/shop/PlayPaperScissor

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https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/kids-zone/list/2015/04/my-little-one-isnt-talking-should-i-be-worried