What contributes to Speech-Language Delays in Children

Causes of Speech-Language Delays?

We do not know what causes speech and language delays in most cases. But research has shown that there is likely to be a Genetic or Biological component.

Speech-Language Delays are more likely for:

*Boys

*Children who have a close family member with a history of a language delay or communication disorder.

*Children who have a developmental disorder or syndrome in which a language delay is a typical feature – for example, Down syndrome.

*Children with ongoing hearing problems and ear infections.

What to look for and ask yourself if your child does have chronic ear infections and/or a hearing loss:

Does your child have difficulty understanding certain words?

Does he misunderstand what is being said to him?

Does your child speak louder than normal?

Did your child once say words correctly and then start mispronouncing them?

Does your child often say "Huh" when you speak to him?
When was the last time your child had a hearing screening?

______________________________

Even though there are many other reason for hearing loss in children; speech-language pathologists know that a history of chronic ear infections could cause speech-language deficits.

This is hugely important to correct!

Classrooms are noisy environments and hearing loss can cause extreme anxiety for students academically.

If you are concerned: Please Contact your school Nurse!! She will guide you in the right direction.... Let's be Proactive for our children's future!   

 

Language Delays DO affect Reading and Writing Skills

I have discussions every week with classroom teachers stating their concerns about the children in their classroom with language deficits. Children with language delays experience more difficult in many areas; PARTICULARY IN THE AREAS OF READING AND WRITING! 

Students with Language Delays already have difficulty with:

Understanding Oral Directions

Using complete sentences or correct grammar

Completing assignments independently

Vocabulary Skills

AND

Becoming easily frustrated

So......... parents and teachers need to make special efforts to know how language deficits affect classroom performance:  

                  

Children with language delays may find Reading and Writing difficult in the following ways:

1. Reading Comprehension

2. Organizing thoughts on paper

3. Forming letters and words on paper

4. Fluent oral reading

5. Poor spelling

6. "Guessing" at words based on pictures and beginning sounds

7. Difficulty learning sight words

8. Discriminating between sounds

9. Learning the relationship between letters and sounds

?Now What? How do we help?

*Figure out how your child learns best? (using clues, using hands-on materials/objects, flashcards, visuals, acting things out...etc..)

*Narrow down what the weaknesses are in reading/writing

*Build on the strengths in reading/writing and what he is can actually do-

*Read books with your child (talk about new vocabulary & what the word means)

*Restate sentences that your child may say that is not grammatically correct so you will model correct grammar and sentence structures.

*Promote phonemic awareness skills. (Play with Rhyming words, songs, and chants. Tell your child what makes words rhyme and point out words that begin with the same letter.)

*Use ENCOURAGEMENT! Tell your child, "Great job" or "You are really good at that"......