1. Test Your Child Early
Some speech disorders develop because the parents don't realize that there is a problem. A child may be deaf, for example, or have abnormalities in the mouth or nasal cavity which may not become apparent right away. Test for such qualities at birth, and have him evaluated regularly as part of his normal doctor's visits. A pediatrician can help eliminate some possible causes of the speech disorder, while hearing experts or speech language pathologists can pinpoint specific areas of concern.
2. Know the Milestones for Speech
The first three years of a child's life are the most important in terms of speech and language development. This starts in the first few months of life: a baby should be babbling and cooing by the time she is 6 months old. At 18 months, she should have a vocabulary of a few words, and by the age of 2, she should be able to form crude two- or three-word sentences. That's also the age when children begin to connect the sounds they make to the objects around them and the actions which they observe, and the development of language skills flourishes very quickly after that. Be aware of these milestones and others like them, and speak to your pediatrician or speech therapist if there are signs of a problem.
3. Read to Your Child and Encourage a Supportive Environment
Reading to your child is always a good idea, but in some cases, it may prevent the development of a speech disorder. The more sounds your baby hears, the more he will be inclined to repeat them and the more rapidly he will develop speaking skills. You can also encourage him by speaking in short sentences and using simple words that he can learn to repeat.
On a broader scale, it also helps to establish a supportive environment overall. A relaxed atmosphere with a lot of potential for interaction will help prevent the development of any speech disorders. Speech disorders can also develop as a result of emotional abuse or the pressure of undue expectations. Learn to show him ways of speaking without correcting him or holding him to unreasonable standards. Encourage him to express himself, but don't badger him into speaking if he's shy or unwilling to talk.
4. Investigate Speech Therapy
If your child is experiencing early signs of a speech disorder, a speech pathologist can improve things before they become worse. The exact method of speech therapy may vary depending on your child's condition, but can include control of vocal muscles, articulation designed to pronounce certain sounds and emphasis on speaking without self-consciousness or debilitating pressure. A speech therapist can also make up lost educational ground, allowing your child to keep pace with others his age.
