How to Help Your Preschooler with a Speech Delay

By age two most little one are speaking quite clearly. A three year old should be able to talk well, and a four year old should be understood almost all of the time. When children reach ages three and four and still are not talking clearly they may have a speech delay.

A speech delay is when a child is not speaking as well as they should be for their age. Children are with a speech delay are still learning to properly pronounce and say words whereas their peers already have. Hearing loss is a common reason for delayed speech. When a child can not hear all of the sounds that make up the words he or she will not be able to say those sounds. With hearing loss sounds become muffled and speech is not properly learned. Speech delays are most often caught in the third and the fourth years. A trip to the audiologist is commonly recommended. Many times tubes will be inserted and hearing will be restored. The speech delay will fade as your child hears words the way that words are spoken.

There are many things parents can do to help their speech delayed child. Working with them is the most important. Practice often saying words. Sounds are equally as important. The sounds of the letters of the alphabet are what words are made of. The more you practice with your child the quicker your child will learn the sounds. Speak slowly and clearly to your child. Talk to them often using as many words as you can.

Children with speech delays sometimes get frustrated because they just don't know how to say the word. Be an encourager. Tell your little one what a great job they are doing. Children who are in preschool also commonly get frustrated because they are not being understood. When parents practice and practice with their children in a fun and encouraging way speech delays can be over come. Teach your child the keep trying attitude by not giving up yourself.

Try to get your little one to say as many words as you can. Ask them "What is it?" like a game, looking and pointing a pictures or objects. Play "Can you say..." as often as you can. Name a word and ask your child to say it then praise their efforts when they try. The more they try the closer they get to learning to say the word.

Children with speech delays can benefit from speech therapy. Once your child enters school it will likely be recommended that they are evaluated and seen by a speech therapist. This is a professional speech teacher who will assist you and your child by helping them to learn to say the letter sounds correctly. Special help is available in your child's school for children with speech delays.

Speech delays in young children are common. Work with your child often. Practice saying words and letter sounds frequently and they will be learned. A speech delay does not mean that your child won't ever speak well. It is simply means that they are delayed in their speaking skills currently. They will catch up. It takes time and encouragement. Your doctor and school will work with you to help your child. It can and will be overcome. Thanks for reading and take care!