General aspects of child development can be confusing at the best of times for a parent.
As a parent, I know all too well the ever present concern and awareness that your child may be behind others at the same age. Why is this the case? Is it that your little boy is demonstrating a general slowness in reaching his developmental milestones, which can be common for boys. Is it the case that his older siblings may be interpreting and speaking for him thus lower his communicative intent or the need to communicate independently? Could there be underlying audiological, auditory processing problems, learning difficulties or neurological factors at play?
As Speech Pathologists it is our role, more than anyone else, to assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat communication delays and disorders.
When evaluating a child’s communication skill it is wise to consider that the very early utterances may be simple, but what produces them is very complex.
It is necessary to look at speech in a very broad context from cognition to communication. Is it just a delay in their expressive or receptive language? Is there evidence emerging of a more global delay? The spectre of Autism Spectrum disorder is always and increasingly present, in the thoughts of all parents. It is then all too easy to find ourselves looking for those particular signs associated with the disorder. It is important to note that not all children with Autism will have delayed speech onset.
They do however, have difficulties using their words to communicate functionally within their environment.
Early intervention is very important in the management of any communication delay or disorder.
Speech Pathologists can evaluate the child over several sessions in a comfortable and stimulating environment to assess at what level the child is functioning. Formal assessment procedures and tests however, are not always the primary diagnostic tool to rely upon and base a diagnosis. Informal assessments are extremely valuable in determining the quality and quantity of verbal and nonverbal interactions, level and quality of play and overall cognitive functioning.
When the parents are well informed as to their child’s levels of functioning, both fear and anxiety are reduced. The quality of their interactions and play may be enhanced and specific therapeutic goals can be outlined and achieved.
If you or a loved one is concerned about a child’s development, please remember that early intervention and action improves outcomes. Please contact an experienced Speech Pathologist who is there to assist.
Craig Gorman
Speech Pathologist.