Children learn to speak as a part of the growth process of early childhood. Speech is more than just using words; it is verbalizing sounds that communicate a child’s needs and wants. The development of speech can be affected by delays in a child’s overall development or other issues, such as health complications. Early childhood speech development usually progresses on its own, but may need evaluation if a child is not keeping up.
Identification
Speech is the formation of words and sounds that comes out of the mouth. Children learn speech as a method of communication so that others may understand their preferences and feelings. Speech differs from language in that language has a social significance associated with speech that provides meaning for spoken words. Speech begins with the earliest sounds of a baby who communicates by crying, cooing, or babbling.
Development
It is important to remember that a child develops speech patterns at her own pace and should not be compared too closely with peers of the same age. Children do follow certain milestones with speech development and will show skills as they grow. By the age of 3 months, a baby can already use vowel sounds, and by 12 months, she can say “mama” in the appropriate context. By 18 months, she can say several nouns and use gestures. By 3 years, she is combining words into sentences and repeats many words that she hears.
Reasons
There are several reasons why a child may have difficulty developing speech patterns. As stated by the University of Michigan Health System, some reasons for a speech developmental delay include apraxia of speech (when a child struggles to put words together in sequence); hearing impairment; neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy; environmental deprivation, when a child has not been exposed to speech sounds and words; and learning disabilities, which make speaking and understanding words difficult for a child.
Professional Help
Parents with concerns about their child’s speech development can contact their doctor. Some basic tests may be performed, and a doctor can determine normal development. Parents may be referred to a speech specialist who can work with a child to practice words and sounds. Speech therapists teach through games, books and other activities that increase how much a child talks. A speech therapist also can assist family members with helping a child in small ways every day to increase verbalization and accurate speech patterns at home.
Parent Help
Parents can help with their child’s speech patterns by practicing activities that encourage speaking. Reading stories, even to a baby, sets an early example of speaking, words and repetition. Singing songs or saying rhymes also teaches a child the concept of repeating words in phrases. If a child is able to repeat a favorite rhyme, he gains practice at speaking. Parents also can talk with their child, allowing him to explain his feelings or daily activities.
