Generally, speech is the sound that we utter (Produce) with the help of our mouths (Articulators). But, when this sound is not
understood by others, it is indicative of a speech problem. Some of the common speech problems include delayed speech, stuttering,
mispronunciation (misarticulation) etc.
Delayed speech indicates a delay in the speech processing mechanism (production). Language, on the other hand, has less to do
with sounds, it is more about meanings. It is a measure of intelligence. Language delay indicates a delay in the use of the language.
In this context, it is important to state that speech and language delay are not the same. Since language and speech are two different
stages (Things); the two may be delayed individually. A child, who is unable to utter (Produce) intelligent speech sound, might not be
suffering from the delayed language.
In such a case, the child might be trying to utter (has age appropriate) language, but the language can be difficult to be understood
(expressed in speech). Similarly, a child having delayed language (not delayed speech), might not have got enough opportunity of
producing speech sounds. Delayed language is when a child is developing language skill in the right sequence but at a slow rate.
How To Detect Delayed Speech And Language Problem?
Should consult a paediatrician when find any of these signs and symptoms in the child:
- If the child is not showing an indication of communication using sound, or gestures, especially when they need help
- If the child is not saying almost 50 different words by the age of two
- If the child is not using two or more words together, like “more toys”, “play time” etc. by the age of two
- If the child is not able to generate words spontaneously (only can copy words from others) by the age of two
- If the child is not able to generate words spontaneously (only can copy words from others) by the age of two
- If the child is not making longer sentences by the age of three
- If the child fails to understand your longer word phrases or instructions by the age of three
- If the child is not asking questions by the age of four
- If the child is struggling to learn new words by the age of four
- If the child is skipping important words in a sentence by the age of five