Causes of Speech Issues in Children
There are a number of different conditions that can cause speech and language difficulties in children. While some of these conditions can be more complex to manage than others, professional diagnoses and therapy can help many children who struggle to speak. Some causes of speech issues include:
- Hearing loss
- Developmental delays
- Teeth problems
- Neurological disorders
- Cleft palate
- Vocal nodules
Signs Your Child May Need to Visit a Paediatric Speech Pathology Clinic
If you're worried about your child's speech development, it's important to seek advice from a specialist. Raising Children Network recommends taking your child to see a speech pathologist if they experience any of the following communication issues:
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words
- Limited vocabulary
- A husky, hard-to-hear voice
- Stuttering/trouble forming sentences
- Difficulty understanding what people are saying
- Difficulty being understood by others
- Frustration with their inability to effectively communicate/be understood
- Problems achieving reading, writing, and/or spelling milestones
How You Can Help Your Child With Their Speech at Home
During their first few years, you are one of the best teachers your child has. As well as engaging in paediatric speech pathology, there are many different activities you and your child can do at home to improve their speech and language skills. Depending on the cause and complexity of their speech issues, your child’s paediatrician may get you to try the following suggestions:
- Practice the sounds and letters your child struggles to pronounce
- Ask them engaging questions and talk with them about topics they find interesting
- Listen to their favourite music, sing songs with them, and recite rhymes together
- Encourage them to use their words to ask for what they need, rather than expressing their needs through sounds and actions
- Celebrate their wins, be patient with their setbacks, and build a positive, no-pressure environment