Contents
Acquiring speaking skills and proper articulation of sounds is a process that takes years. Parents are often concerned that their child may have a speech impediment, so they observe them and seek the help of a speech therapist. It is worth remembering that there are certain standards, thanks to which you can easily assess whether the wrong way of talking a toddler is still a natural phenomenon or already a problem. What to look for? When to react? What are the most common speech impediments in children?
What are speech impediments?
Every parent wants their child to express itself beautifully and clearly. However, it will take a long time for a child to master the difficult art of speaking. It is also known that some sounds are more difficult to pronounce and that little ones have problems with mastering their articulation for longer. Speech defects include distorted, slurred or even incomprehensible speech. The most common disorders include stuttering, lisping and rotacism. The support of a specialist is not always necessary, but if the difficulties persist for a long time, it is worth consulting a speech therapist who can suggest therapy and appropriate exercises at home.
Zobacz: Speech therapy – when and why is it worth visiting a speech therapist?
Speech learning is not easy – what is it like in a child?
Lingering, cooing, and finally the first simple words – this is the process of shaping speech. At the end of the first year of life, babies can pronounce a few simple words (mom, dad, woman, etc.), and at the age of 18-24 months they can build simple sentences. Of course, you should take into account the individual predispositions and conditions that make it each child develops at a different pace and acquires particular skills at different times.
The correct pronunciation of specific sounds takes place within a specific time period. The most anticipated “r” appears around year 6, which doesn’t mean it always does. What does speech development look like, what are the next stages? The first year of life is called sounds p, b, m, A moment later ś, ź, ć, ń and k, g, ch. In the vicinity of two years, the next sounds are made: f, w, and sometimes also l. A three- or four-year-old pronounces s, z, c, dz, five-year-old rat the very end comes the ability to articulate sz, cz, ż, j.
- Also read about speech disorders
What are speech impediments in children?
Whether a toddler will pronounce the sounds correctly depends on many factors, the anatomical structure of the speech apparatus, the functioning of the nervous system, hearing, the environment in which he is brought up, as well as the attitude of parents, educators and caregivers.. Scientists have noticed that gender, intelligence level, personality, relationships with family, immediate surroundings and peers are not without significance. Here the most common types of speech impediments in the youngest:
- lisp, or incorrect pronunciation of sounds s, z, c, dz, ś, ź, ć, dż, sz, cz, dż, ż,
- stuttering – stuttering, lack of fluency when speaking,
- rotacism – interchangeable use of sounds, e.g. instead of r the child says l or j,
- lambdacism – replacement of the phone l na jas well as omitting it in pronunciation.
It is also possible for several abnormalities to appear simultaneously, a phenomenon known as multiple dyslalia. In the event of speech impediments in children the prescribed therapy should be carried out.
Check also: Speech therapy exercises – speech impediments, a visit to a speech therapist, examples of exercises
How can parents help to learn to speak?
Parents devote the most time to children, they are also the first teachers and it is largely up to them to decide when the toddler starts to speak and at what point work will be started due to a speech impediment. What can adults do? First of all, talk a lot, clearly articulate sounds, individual words, read, tell, rhyme. Adults should not distort words, speak correctly. Such stimulation has a positive effect on the development of the youngest.
Particular attention should be paid to the construction of the speech apparatus. It is estimated that over 80% of children with an abnormal bite have speech impediments. It is worth going to the dentist as soon as possible, who can quickly notice the problem.
Incorrect way of articulating sounds can be corrected, but it is important to start as early as possible. Parents and teachers should watch the little ones and react immediately.
Read also:
- Mutism – types and treatment of mutism
- Dysarthria – causes, types, diagnosis, treatment
- Occlusion defects and orthodontic prophylaxis
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.