Verified by Dr. Neeraj Suri
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist - MBBS, MS
Every parent wants to take every step to ensure that their sons and daughters get the best academic beginning in life. This means researching the top schools, locating the most reliable day care centers, and providing toys that can be educational and enjoyable.
However, how many parents look for signs that indicate speech disorders?
If your child is suffering from a speech problem then they’re more likely to be being below grade level. This is not just a result of difficulties with writing and reading: speech disorders can destroy the self-esteem of your child, leading the child to stay away from schools. However, the good thing is that that speech therapy is extremely effective! To get the greatest benefit your child must be seen when symptoms of speech problem first start to show.
Here are 10 indicators that your child is suffering from an issue with speech and requires speech therapy:
1. YOUR CHILD STUTTERS.
Stuttering is a clear sign that your child requires speech therapy. Children who speak with stuttering can repeat whole phrases (He-he-heI ran up to the front door) and the very first vowel in the word (j-j-jump). Children who stutter can sometimes avoid speaking completely.
2. YOUR CHILD HAS AN INCONSISTENT VOICE QUALITY.
The signs of speech disorders have to be related to consonants or vowels. In many cases, children with an unnatural voice or are unable to manage their volume might require an early intervention. They may also have difficulty in identifying the correct syllable for the word, despite the fact that they can pronounce the word correctly (such for example, saying BA-NAN-A, instead of ba-NAN-a).
3. YOUR CHILD DOESN’T INTERACT WITH OTHER CHILDREN.
If your child doesn’t smile or acknowledge when you speak or playing, you might want to consider making an appointment with an occupational therapist.
4. YOUR CHILD DOESN’T BABBLE.
Between the ages of four and seven months between four and seven months, your child should be talking in a babbling voice or make “nonsense” sounds. These sounds are essential because they assist your child learn to speak.
5. YOUR CHILD SHOWS SPEECH INCONSISTENCY.
For instance it is possible that your child pronounces the word correctly the first time, but be incorrect the third or fourth time. They might also put gaps between words (running).
6. YOUR CHILD HAS A CLEFT PALATE OR OTHER STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS WITH THE MOUTH.
The lips and jaws can hinder children to communicate effectively and consistently. This could have a catastrophic impact on their academic performance.
7. YOUR CHILD DOESN’T GESTURE.
Your child should be making gestures like gestures of waving and pointing before he or is between seven and twelve months old.
8. YOUR CHILD DOESN’T SPEAK.
If your child isn’t speaking much – or at all, this is warning red flag. It is also a sign to be cautious should your child speak less than 50 words before they are at least two years old.
9. YOUR CHILD HAS SEVERAL EAR INFECTIONS.
It is possible to not connect hearing issues with speech problems however, chronic and extensive ear infections may cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, causing temporary loss of hearing. If this occurs repeatedly and your child’s speech might be delayed.
10. YOUR CHILD HAS SOME TYPE OF HEARING LOSS OR HEARING DISORDER.
To make sound properly your child must be capable of hearing them correctly. Hearing loss, especially during the first years of life is a risk that can lead to more severe speech difficulties later in the future. If your child suffers from some hearing loss it’s crucial to collaborate closely with an audiologist speech therapy to ensure that the child has the right skills to be successful at school and throughout the real world.
We can assist your child overcome any speech issues
Evara Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat offers an array of speech and language services which include treatment for:
- Voice disorders
- Phonology and articulation – treatments intended to enhance the dynamic creation of certain sounds (e.g. /k/ in “cup”)
- Auditory Rehabilitation is a Children with hearing impairment Aid treatment is designed to help people who have auditory impairments enhance their communication
- Language disorders and articulation
We have all the information you require
Here are a few of the articles with comprehensive educational information about the most common disorders of communication and treatment methods for them. We suggest that you contact us to set up an appointment if there are any questions or have concerns. Evara Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat is the premier area for doctor-owned Practice with ENT With six convenient locations across Wake County. Our board-certified doctors have extensive expertise in treating simple and more complex conditions for children and adults alike. For more information, or to schedule an appointment Contact us.