Speech and Language Developmental Delays: Recognition and Intervention

If you feel your child is not communicating to the best of their ability, you worry about how this will affect their life. The Children's Clinic of Klamath can evaluate your child's growth and development to monitor delays in speech and language. Read about recognizing the signs and how Dr. Nicola Cherry helps improve children's speech.

Recognizing Developmental Delays

Some children are at an increased risk of developmental delays in Klamath Falls, OR, due to preterm birth, a low birth weight, or other factors. Speech and language delays, or difficulty using and understanding language, are the most common developmental delays. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 1 in 5 children experiences a language difficulty.

Our first demonstration of understanding language includes gesturing as a baby. By the age of 2, most children can speak very short sentences, and around the age of 5 most children use language more easily. Look for these signs of a speech delay in your toddler:

• Non-responsive to sounds (hearing loss)
• Difficulty understanding the meaning of words
• Difficulty putting words together to form a thought or sentence
• Trouble forming certain words and sounds with their mouth
• Knowing the words they want to use but having trouble communicating them
• Behavioral problems (when frustrated by not being able to express themselves)

Early Intervention

Speech and language disorders can affect reading and writing skills and your child's confidence, but early intervention can help them lead a fulfilling life by improving their speech.

Hearing screenings will be performed first. When hearing loss is partial or only in one ear it can go unnoticed, but still affects how words and language are being processed. To help children with language delays we may recommend:

• Hearing aids (or further hearing tests)
• An early intervention program (for children up to 3 years)
• Special education services for school-aged children
• Speech therapy to help your child learn difficult sounds and how to express themselves better

Have Your Child Assessed

The Children's Clinic of Klamath is here for your kids if they are struggling with speech or language delays. Dr. Cherry diagnoses and forms treatment plans for developmental delays in Klamath Falls, OR. Contact us to make an appointment for an assessment at (541) 884-1224.