As children grow and develop, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles that they must overcome in order to thrive. One common area in which young children may face difficulties is in the realm of speech and language. While it is normal for children to experience some speech and language difficulties, especially in their early years, there are certain challenges that may require intervention from a speech therapist. In this post, we’ll take a look at some common speech and language challenges that young children may face, and explore how speech therapy can help.
Articulation
Articulation refers to the ability to produce speech sounds correctly. Preschool-age children may struggle with articulation, producing words that are unclear, mispronounced, or difficult to understand. Children are expected to be able to produce certain sounds as they age. Some sounds are expected earlier in development, while others develop later. Children may exhibit patterns of speech errors, called phonological processes. As with speech sounds, some phonological processes are typical in a child’s articulation development and are expected to be eliminated as a child ages. A speech-language pathologist can determine whether your child’s speech errors are developmentally appropriate and could provide intervention if needed.
Language
Language disorders refer to a range of difficulties that children may have with the understanding or use of language. This may include difficulties with grammar, vocabulary, or syntax. Some children are late to talk, may have trouble following directions, or may struggle to express their thoughts and ideas. Speech therapists can work with children to help them develop their language skills so they are able to communicate more effectively.
Fluency
Fluency disorders, such as stuttering, can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to communicate effectively. Children who stutter may repeat sounds or syllables, or experience blocks or pauses in their speech. It is typical for children who are learning to talk (and even adults!) to experience some disfluencies in their speech. A speech therapist can determine whether your child’s disfluencies are typical or not. A speech therapist could help your child develop techniques for managing their stuttering, such as breathing exercises or slowing down their speech.
Social Communication
Social communication disorders refer to difficulties that children may have with understanding and using social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Children with social communication disorders may struggle to engage in conversation, or may have difficulty with turn-taking or initiating social interactions. Speech therapists can work with children to develop these skills, and help them to better understand social interactions and cues.
Feeding and Swallowing
Some children may experience difficulties with feeding and swallowing, which can have a significant impact on their health and overall development. Children may have structural or functional complications with their swallowing mechanism. Other children may be aversive to certain foods or textures and could be described as “picky eaters”. Speech therapists can work with children who have feeding and swallowing disorders, developing strategies to help them safely and effectively eat and drink.
Takeaway
There are a variety of speech and language challenges that young children may face, and in some cases, intervention from a speech therapist may be necessary. If you are concerned about your child’s speech and language development, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified professional, who can diagnose any challenges and recommend appropriate interventions. With the right support and guidance, children can improve immensely in all of the domains of speech and language.
