Delayed speech development in children: causes and diagnosis

Rudiments of speech are formed in the first months of life. By the year the child normally speaks simple monosyllabic words, and in one and a half he builds simple sentences. However, it can happen that problems arise with this, and then the diagnosis of "speech development delay in children" is diagnosed. To be frightened of this phrase to parents is not necessary. It primarily means that the child needs help. And the sooner begin corrective activities and treatment, the faster you can get the result.

The delay in speech development in children can be due to several reasons. One of the most common is the lack of the necessary language environment. That is, the speech of the baby does not stimulate, guessing all his desires at the slightest sign. In this case, the fault behind the lag in the development of the child is mainly due to the parents.

In addition , the delay in speech development in children can occur due to the influence of harmful factors on the child in the prenatal or perinatal period. Birth trauma, asphyxia, genetic or infectious diseases - all this can affect the fact that the child will pronounce the first words after peers.

If in 2-3 years the speech of the baby is indistinct or practically absent, it is necessary to address to experts (the logopedist, the neurologist, the psychologist). They will prompt further actions, after all it is quite possible that medications will be needed. Some parents wait 4-5 years and only then begin to sound the alarm. Such a position is fundamentally wrong, since time can be missed, and how many other mental processes depend on how much verbal communication is developed.

Treatment of delayed speech development depends on the reasons that cause this lag. In some cases, it is only possible to limit oneself to corrective activities with a speech therapist or a psychologist or stimulating tasks from the parents. In other situations, you can not do without special medication (nootropic drugs), especially if this lag is secondary and accompanies another, more serious mental illness.

The delay in speech development in the child, if present, should be diagnosed as early as possible. Parents should not be afraid of a "terrible" diagnosis. After all, if you start your studies in time, then go to a specialized preschool, then, most likely, by the age of 7, the child will reach the same level with peers. Otherwise it is quite possible that the baby will have difficulties in learning to write, read and lag behind in the formation of other mental processes.

If the delay in speech development in children is a secondary defect caused by a more serious illness, the situation will be much more difficult. And to be engaged with the kid it is necessary to begin as soon as possible.

If the child practically does not speak in 2-3 years, observe him. There are simple tasks that will help determine the level of his mental development. And if this indicator is normal, therefore, it is worth starting to eliminate the cause, because of which speech is poorly developed.