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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMany times, the cause of speech sound disorders is unknown. Children may not learn how to correctly pronounce certain sounds, and this can carry over into adulthood. Other times, the cause is physical in nature. Developmental disorders, genetic syndromes, neurological disorders, hearing loss and other illnesses may all contribute to speech sound disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will thoroughly evaluate a patient to determine the cause of the disorder and recommend a course of treatment. He or she will work closely with the individual to improve communication skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech Delay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As children grow, there are certain milestones parents look forward to, such as crawling, walking and speaking. By their first birthday, most children know a word or two; at 18 months, their vocabulary should consist of five to 20 words and include simple two-word sentences. But these are rough guidelines. Every child progresses at a different pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approximately one out of every four children experiences a speech delay, and most eventually catch up without any sort of intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, it\u2019s best to bring up any concerns with your child\u2019s doctor. If there is a language disorder or developmental problem, early treatment is key to preventing learning problems down the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Reasons for a Speech Delay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A variety of factors can lead to delayed speech and language skills. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Heredity.<\/li>
- Hearing loss.<\/li>
- Oral anatomy (problems with the tongue or soft palate).<\/li>
- Dysarthria (a disorder involving the muscles that control speech).<\/li>
- Exposure to multiple languages.<\/li>
- Neurological disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.<\/li>
- Learning disabilities.<\/li>
- Auditory processing disorders.<\/li>
- Premature birth.<\/li>
- Environmental deprivation.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your child\u2019s doctor cannot rule out a speech delay, a speech-language pathologist should be consulted for a full evaluation. This involves a series of tests that will be used to assess your child\u2019s receptive language and expressive language skills, sound development, speech clarity and oral-motor skills. Speech therapy may be recommended to help your child develop the skills necessary for effective communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Can Parents Do? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Both heredity and environment play a role in speech development. As a parent, there are steps you can take to assist your child with speech development. Communicate often (talk and sing), encourage verbal interaction whenever possible and read to your child starting at a young age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n