Language delay: the opinion of a speech therapist

Language disorders: no worries before 3 years

What are the first signs of language delay in children?

Before entering kindergarten, it is difficult to say whether the child is late, the evolution of language depending on the family relationship. In general, the first signs appear at school: the child is not sociable, does not seek exchanges, does not babble when playing on his own. From the age of 3, if the child does not say a lot or a few words, pronounces distorted words only recognized by his relatives, if he does not understand what is said to him, repeats a word several times or has behavioral disturbances, delay is suspected. Most often, it is the teacher who alerts the parents. But be careful, we cannot speak of language disorder before the main kindergarten section, because language evolves. If at this stage, the troubles persist and the family feels uneasy, it is necessary to consult.

What can parents do at home to stimulate language in their babies?

Above all, do not make him repeat! It’s killing communication, that doesn’t make sense. On the other hand, the good reflex is to repeat oneself with the good formula “you meant that …”. Of course, you have to be patient, favor relationships, games together, communication. And of course congratulate his child by highlighting his positive sides, his successes …

Can a language delay have consequences for baby’s development?

Everything depends on the experience of the child, the entourage faced with this delay and of course the importance of the disorder. When the child is young, it is difficult to assess the substance of the disorder. For functional defects, considered to be slight, the child will correct his errors himself as he goes along, for example when he says “sosu” for “shoe”. On the other hand, if it is a structural disorder (dysphasia, incomprehensible sentences, difficulty in pronunciation), follow-up will be necessary.

The consequences of a language delay can be psychological (poor self-esteem), linguistic (language development) or more generally concern school learning.

Could this language delay be linked to other disorders?

Associated disorders such as an intellectual or hearing deficit can be considered in the event of a communication disorder within the parent / child relationship when the latter is unable to transmit information. There may also be a stuttering which appears in connection with difficulty finding words or a particular tension of the child. The first reflex to eliminate the hypothesis of possible associated disorders is togo see your family doctor, the pediatrician, the otolaryngologist (ENT) and if necessary go to an early medico-social action center (CAMPS).

Is rehabilitation possible?

Yes, generally from the age of 3, unless the disorder is detected long before (as in the case of a genetic disease) and if it is a sensory or mental disorder.

In this case, rehabilitation falls under the field of early education. The speech therapist will work on communication and language through games.

From the age of 3, speech therapy may be recommended. The number of sessions is determined according to the balance sheet.

For an isolated disorder, ten sessions, half an hour per week, are in principle necessary at a schoolchild in the great section of kindergarten.

The functional disorders give rise to a follow-up during the learning of the written language, even if it is only to consolidate the assets. Prevention is better than cure !

How is the care going in practice?

The general practitioner begins by prescribing an assessment and generally also a rehabilitation. Then it is the speech therapist who determines the frequency and number of sessions.

When it comes to a joint problem, the rehabilitation is intensive over a short period. For a lexical disorder, the sessions take place in the form of games. The older ones can leave with games or pictures. Most often, parents do not attend the rehabilitation session. But it is important that they are present to accompany and collect their child at the end. The little patient must realize that his parents agree with the speech therapist. They are also there to motivate their child to invest in rehabilitation. From a financial point of view, the sessions are covered 60% by social security and 40% by the mutual.