by Denys Trowbridge

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Speech disorders in young children are characterized by things like stuttering or the inability to produce words or sounds correctly. This should not be mistaken for language disorders which have to more to do with the processing and understanding of words and ideas and their communication to others. Speech is more the mechanics of language. Language delays are more serious in nature because often they are a reflection of developmental delays and disabilities that may plague a child for life whereas speech can often be remediated.

Speech and language delays are prominent in 5-8% of the preschool population. Speech difficulties can be caused by abnormalities like cleft palate or even the common recurrent ear infection. Since a child develops language skills by hearing the spoken word modeled the occurrence of frequent ear infections will impede progression of speech and language depending upon the severity of the infections and their frequency. Delays caused by ears do not necessarily reflect a disability.

Another thing that will impact speech production is low muscle tone. Weak oral muscles can be re mediated through innovative therapies such as tongue and mouth exercises. For example drinking through a straw or blowing bubbles to strengthen the lips. Holding a sucker at the side of the mouth or in other positions while in front of a mirror so that the child must reach with the tongue. Peanut butter on the back of the top teeth will help a child know where to place the tongue while making the "th' or "l" sound.

Early intervention is key for these kids. Start by talking to your doctor, but remember they are human and are governed by politics and insurances not just medical ethics. So don't stop there. There are other resources available to you for help and evaluation.

There is an Early Intervention program through Help Me Grow available in your state. They will evaluate your child from birth to 3 years old for free. When they are done they will write a multi factor evaluation team report that is professionally done. They will make recommendations, advocate for you and even come to your house to work with your child.

For kids 3 and over the schools do the same thorough exam for free and give a written report. The universities also evaluate older children and work on a sliding fee scale.

Whatever you do don't give up. Good luck!

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