PORTAGE, Wis. – Eleven percent of children 3-6 years of age experience a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder. Yet, many families do not know the early signs - a factor that can result in delayed care.
Unaddressed speech and language disorders can affect a child’s academic and social success. Among children and young adults 6-21 years of age, speech and language disorders are one of the most common disabilities for which students receive special education services in schools through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
“Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults,” said Caitlin Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist with Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital. SLPs work across various settings, including early intervention programs, schools, hospitals, clinics, and outpatient therapy settings, offering assessment and support. Families can start the evaluation process by contacting their local school system or reaching out to a local clinic.
New data from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) shows that lack of awareness about the signs of communication disorders is the leading factor that prevents families from taking action on these disorders in young children, according to speech-language pathologists nationwide.
“It is so important that parents and caregivers know about warning signs and the importance of early intervention,” added Ward. "We understand that there are waitlists in many locations, which can make timely intervention more challenging. However, we are continuing to work hard to help meet the needs of our patients. The assistance of a speech-language pathologist is beneficial at any stage, though intervening promptly when signs of a disorder surface typically results in shorter treatment periods and greater effectiveness."
Aspirus encourages parents and caregivers to learn the signs of speech and language disorders and seek help as soon as possible if recognized in their children. Here are some common signs of these disorders:
Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder:
Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (2-3 years)
Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (3-4 years)
Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2-3 years)
Signs of a Language Disorder
Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
Does not babble (4-6 months)
Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like reaching (7-9 months)
Does not understand what others say (10 months - 2 years)
Says only a few words (19 months - 2 years)
Does not put words together to make sentences (19 months - 3 years)
Speaks using words that are not easily understood by others (3-4 years)
Has trouble with early reading skills, like pretending to read or finding the front of a book (4-5 years)
Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency):
Repeats the first sounds of words - “b-b-b-ball” for “ball”
Stretches sounds out - “ffffff-farm” for “farm”
Shows frustration when trying to get words out
Signs of a Voice Disorder:
Loss of voice
Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
Speaks with strain and effort
Talk with your child’s medical provider if you have any concerns about your child’s social communication development. To find an Aspirus pediatrician in your area, visit www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider or call the Aspirus customer contact center at 800-847-4707.
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About Aspirus: Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Learn more at aspirus.org.