Understanding Milestone Delay in Speech Development

Milestone delay in speech development means a child is not developing speech and language at an expected rate. They are expected to reach the general milestone for the speech at a certain age. However, if they are not speaking as much as most of the children of their age, it is a case of language delay. There can be several possible reasons for this problem in your little toddlers, including slow development, hearing loss, or autism. The delay in language can’t be avoided in most of the cases. However, speech and language delays can be treated through special interventions.

Delay In Language Development Milestones: An Overview

The milestone age for talking and learning a language may vary from one kid to another. However, if a certain milestone for speech is not achieved within a given timeframe, it can be concerning at times and can take the form of a communication disorder. The parents need to keep an eye on the speech milestones to understand the speech development process of their children. Besides, it can also be helpful in determining the possible reasons behind the delay in speech.

What Are Speech Milestones in Kids?

Speech and language are two crucial aspects of communication. Speech is the formation of the words and sounds and is the verbal expression of language include articulation. On the other hand, language is the process of understanding and being understood through, or exchange of information through several means, such as verbal, non-verbal, and written.

There is a general milestone for speech and language among the kids, as explained below:

Around 3 Months of Age

When the toddlers turn three months, they start babbling and try to make few sounds. Besides this, they blow bubbles from mouth and also produce vowel sounds.

Around 6 Months of Age

At the age of around six months, kids start blabbering clear sounds, enjoy vocal play, and laugh belly deep. Besides, they also make different kinds of sounds at this age.

When Kids Are 12 Months (One Year)

When around 12 months, babies start babbling a few two-letter words. Besides, when a few speech sounds, such as ba-ba, ga-ga, and ta-ta, are spoken, they copy the sounds. They also start understanding simple questions and convey their needs with motions and sounds.

When They Turn 2 Years

In two years, the milestone reaches to constructing simple sentences, making little conversations, and answering simple questions. Besides, their language becomes clear and comprehensive.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Speech and Language Delay?

The developmental delays in children can be determined by keeping an eye on the milestones we have discussed in the previous section. Some of the most apparent signs of the milestone delay are:

• It takes 12-15 months for kids to say simple two-letter words, like “mama” or “dada.”
• They understand simple words, such as “no” or stop” at 18 months of age.
• When they prefer gestures over speech at 18 months to communicate.
• Speaking short sentences starts at the age of 3 years.
• It takes them to reach five to tell a simple story.

If you are observing these signs, your kid’s speech and language are delayed.

What Are the Possible Reasons for Speech Delay?

There are many possible reasons behind the delay in speech development in children, as stated in the list:

• Loss of Hearing is one of the possible reasons that also prevents the development of the brain areas used for communication.
• Slow development is a possible factor that also alleviates the rate of speech development.
• Intellectual Disability is one of the possible reasons behind this communication disorder, wherein brain function can also be involved.
• Psychosocial Deprivation, wherein the kids don’t get much time talking to adults, while increased screen time can impair their overall intellectual performance.
• Twins are likely to demonstrate signs of delayed speech and language skills as they may receive less one-on-one interaction time with their parents or caregivers.
• Autism is a mental condition wherein a person struggles to communicate with other people, finds it hard to make relationships with others, and may also demonstrate signs of speech delay.
• Elective Mutism is a kind of anxiety disorder that involves the refusal of speech despite having the ability to speak normally.
• Cerebral palsy is generally a posture disorder but is can also cause difficulty for the kids to control the muscles in their face, throat, neck, and head. Thus, it can also cause speech delay in kids.

How Is Speech Delay Diagnosed?

The Health Professional who diagnoses and treats communication problems is known as a speech therapy pathologist. Besides, the role of speech therapist in autism treatment is also pivotal. They can ask you a few questions related to the milestone delay and also listen to your child’s speech and language. Besides, they might also refer you to specialists to determine the exact reason behind the problem.

For instance, if they need to check whether or not the hearing difficulty is causing the language delay, they will refer your child to an audiologist. They will carry out the tests to verify or rule out this possibility. After carrying out the full-fledged tests, your speech-language pathologist will guide you with the treatment and management procedures.

Is It Possible to Prevent Milestone Delay in Speech or Language Development?

Since the possible causes for the milestone delay are not always known, so it is not possible to prevent the speech delay. However, during your pregnancy, you need to avoid the toxins and attend all your parental appointments. Early intervention can be helpful in preventing the long-term effects of development delays.

Speech And Language Delay Treatment and Management

Treatment is not always necessary for speech delay. Some children just take more time to communicate. However, the treatment (if required) will be based on the reason behind the speech delay. Your speech pathologist will tell you the cause and suitable treatment options. Moreover, the doctor may refer you to some other health professionals for further treatment, such as:

• Hearing specialist
• Speech therapist
• Developmental pediatrician
• Neurologist
• Early intervention service provider

Finding The Right Speech Pathologist for Your Child

Early intervention can be helpful in relieving the signs of milestone delay in speech. However, it is your duty to find the right therapist for your little toddler. You can ask for the references from your family or friends. Also, you ca speak directly to check the communication style, and whether or not you feel comfortable with it. Besides, you also need to ensure your role as a caregiver to spend more time communicating to your child to help your child attain the speech milestones in their time.

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