The Importance of Speech Development in Children: Causes, Effects, and Strategies for Support

As parents and caregivers, we want our children to communicate effectively and express themselves clearly. Many people mistakenly believe that it’s acceptable if a child does not start talking by the age of two as there are children who start talking at the age of three, four or five. They believe that if children start communicating by the time they start school, everything will be alright. What these people fail to think about is what the lack of communication until then causes. 

Words are our main way of expressing ourselves. Babies can’t speak, so they express their needs and call for help through crying. The sooner they start communicating with you through gestures, signs and words, the less frustration and stress for both of you. If a child is able to clearly show you/tell you what they want, you can immediately respond to their need and their level of frustration lowers, meaning less tantrums. It has been proven that the more words children are able to use and express themselves, the less tantrums they will have.

Nowadays, the amount of children with speech delays and difficulties is noticeably higher than in previous generations. Did you know that approximately 10% of preschoolers have speech or language disorders? Children who experience delays or difficulties in speech and language development, may experience an impact on their academic, social, and emotional well-being. 

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, early identification and intervention can improve outcomes for children with speech and language disorders. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs of speech delay and seek professional help when necessary.

Causes of Speech Delay in Mono and Multilingual Children

Speech delay can have various causes, including genetic factors (such as a family history of speech delay), environmental factors (such as exposure to screens and a lack of exposure to stimulating language input or a limited vocabulary environment), and developmental disorders (such as autism or hearing loss). 

In the case of multilingual children, bilingualism itself does not cause or worsen speech delay. While learning two or more languages can present unique challenges, research suggests that bilingual children often have language skills comparable to or even better than monolingual children. Bilingual children develop the ability to process and differentiate between multiple languages, leading to cognitive benefits and improved overall language proficiency.

It is important to note that the specific causes of speech delay can vary from child to child, and a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist is necessary to determine the underlying factors contributing to the delay.

Effects of Speech Delay in Children

Untreated speech delay can have long-term consequences, such as academic difficulties, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Children with speech and language disorders may struggle to understand and follow instructions, express their thoughts and feelings, and interact with peers and adults. Moreover, speech delay can impact social and emotional development, as children may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or misunderstood.

As mentioned above, speech delay can lead to an increase in tantrums and behavioral challenges in children. When a child lacks the vocabulary and communication skills to effectively convey their needs and desires, frustration levels can rise. The inability to express themselves adequately may result in tantrums, outbursts, and other challenging behaviors as they struggle to communicate their wants and needs. This can be especially true for younger children who have limited vocabulary and rely heavily on verbal communication.

Strategies for Supporting Language Development in Children

There are many ways that parents and caregivers can promote speech and language skills in both mono and multilingual children. Here are some tips and strategies:

• Talk to your child frequently and use simple, clear language and gestures
• Read books, sing songs, and play games that involve language
• Encourage your child to ask questions, make comments, and share stories
• Provide a language-rich environment, with exposure to both languages if applicable
• Do not expose your child under the age of three to any kind of screens
• Seek professional help if you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development.

Early intervention is key to addressing speech and language disorders, as children’s brains are more plastic and adaptable in the early years. Speech therapists, pediatricians, and educators can provide assessments, interventions, and support for children with speech and language disorders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, speech development is a crucial aspect of children’s growth and development, and speech delay can have negative effects on various domains of their lives, including more tantrums. However, with awareness, support, and intervention, children with speech and language disorders can improve their skills and reach their full potential. As parents and caregivers, we can play an active role in promoting speech and language development in our children, and seek professional help when needed.