Each child grows and develops differently, but a general timetable can be used to measure most children's language and speech development and skills in relation to age, referred to as milestones in development. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states that as a parent, you can engage your child in a number of activities to encourage his speech and language development.
Definition of Speech and Language
Speech and language convey feelings, needs, desires, thoughts and ideas. Language is a combination of set rules agreed on and shared by people in a culture or group that allows them to clearly express and understand these ideas. Speech is the mode by which the language is communicated. While each child grows and develops differently, most children should be able to accomplish certain speech and language skills along with other children in their age group.
Features of Language Development
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the most intensive period of speech and language development occurs during the first three years of life. The NIDCD also explains that there may be critical periods during this time when the developing brain best absorbs a language.
An infant's first ability to express his needs begins with crying during the first days of life. As jaw and mouth mechanisms develop, he is gradually able to make and mimic sounds and words. By eighteen months, he should have a vocabulary of at least eight to 10 words. He will eventually be able to express his needs, desires and thoughts as he grasps the concept of word and object association.
Symptoms of Delayed Speech
Speech and language disorders vary in type and characteristic. Keep in mind that these symptoms only apply if your child is behind in comparison to most other children her age. The Child Development Institute explains that these disorders may vary from difficulties in producing speech sounds to problems with voice quality, pitch or volume. There may be an interruption in the flow of your child's speech, known as a stutter. Language disorders include the improper use of words and their meanings, the incorrect use of grammatical patterns, the inability to express oneself, and a limited vocabulary.
Prevention/Solution
As your child's parent or guardian, you play a significant role in exposing your child to language and words. The way in which you engage or interact with him will have a great impact on how he grasps and understands the language. Your child's progress should be steady. During infancy, speak often to help your child recognize your voice. Read books and sing songs that expand her vocabulary. Identify colors, objects, body parts and shapes. As your child understands more, ask questions that encourage him to think and respond.
Testing
The NIDCD suggests that if you have concerns that your child's language and speech patterns are delayed, you should speak with your child's physician. Following a basic speech and language assessment, the physician may refer your child to a speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child using special language and speech evaluation tests and can recommend in-home, group or individual therapy if necessary, or may refer you to another health professional, such as an audiologist.
