There are several reasons for language delays in toddlers. Some of these reasons include: mouth malformations, hearing problems, cognitive delays and limited or lack of exposure to language. If caught early, there are often ways to remedy these problems and possibly reverse them.
Mouth Malformations and Language Delays
One problem that can cause language delays in toddlers is mouth malformation such as a clef lip or palate. A "cleft" means a split or separation. A cleft palate or lip then is a split in the oral (mouth) structure. Because proper palate and lip formation is essential to language development, when a child has a cleft lip/palate, speech problems can result. Sometimes corrective surgery can be done while the child is still an infant. Speech therapy is also found to be effective in assisting with the language delays caused by this condition.
Hearing Problems and Language Delays
Hearing problems can also cause language delays in toddlers. If a child is having problems hearing sounds that are associated with words, a delay in language can occur as they cannot understand how to form words correctly. There are simple tests that ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists will perform if a hearing problem is suspected. Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, devices such as hearing aids are used to assist with these issues.
Cognitive Delays and Language Delays
A cognitive delay in a toddler can also produce language delays. Children between ages 3 and 4 should be able to understand and repeat up to 900 words. If there is an issue with cognitive delays, the number of words that can be spoken, sentence structures and other aspects of language are affected. Such delays as autism and cerebral palsy can make it difficult for children to communicate due to the effects that they have on the brain. Exposing the child to speech and working one-on-one with them can help to improve their overall understanding of the spoken language.
Limited Exposure and Language Delays
A child that is not exposed to language can have moderate to severe language delays. When a child is spoken to using improper English, they will have a difficult time with their overall understanding of language. If a child repeats an incorrect pattern long enough, they learn it as a habit. Once a habit is learned by the toddler, it will often be difficult to correct. To remedy the effects of limited exposure, it is important to create an environment where the child is exposed to proper speech and has the tools needed to communicate effectively.
Ways to Prevent Delayed Language in Toddlers
There are ways to prevent some language delays in children. If you expose toddlers to the proper usage of words and phrases at an early age, they will have an easier time learning them as they grow. Another way is reading to the child often. While there are cases where language delays cannot be prevented, if the child has the chance to communicate, often times language delays can be remedied or even erased.
