Delayed speech is when a child takes longer than expected to start talking or has difficulties expressing themselves through spoken words. It means that a child’s speech development is progressing at a slower pace compared to their peers.
Delayed speech is when a child takes longer than expected to start talking or has difficulties expressing themselves through spoken words. It means that a child’s speech development is progressing at a slower pace compared to their peers.
When should I be concerned about my child's delayed speech?
If your child is significantly behind their peers in speech and language milestones, or if their communication difficulties impact their daily functioning and social interactions, it’s advisable to seek professional evaluation and support.
Will my child outgrow delayed speech on their own?
While some children may catch up with their peers naturally, many benefit from early intervention and targeted therapies that can significantly improve their speech and language skills.
Is it normal for bilingual children to have delayed speech?
Bilingualism itself does not cause delayed speech. It is common for bilingual children to have a temporary lag in language development as they navigate multiple languages. However, if the delay persists or significantly impacts their communication, seeking guidance from a speech-language pathologist can be helpful.
Can delayed speech affect other areas of my child's development?
Delayed speech can potentially impact other areas of development, such as social interaction, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Early intervention and support can help address these challenges and promote overall development.
Delayed speech, also known as speech delay or late language emergence, is a neurodivergent condition characterized by a significant delay in a child’s ability to produce and use speech sounds, words, and sentences. It is often observed when a child’s speech development is notably slower than what is typically expected for their age. Children with delayed speech may exhibit articulation, vocabulary acquisition, grammar, and overall verbal communication challenges. This delay can be caused by various factors, such as developmental disorders, hearing impairments, or environmental influences. Early identification and intervention support the child’s speech and language development.
Delayed speech can be linked to several neurodivergent conditions that impact a child’s language development. Here are some of the most common conditions:
Recognizing these conditions enables appropriate support and interventions to promote language development in children. Goally, a tablet-based platform, supports children with delayed speech through interactive apps that promote vital life and language skills, including visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and skill-building in emotional regulation and social skills.
