Analysis That Shows the Importance of Early Identification of Speech

An analysis that shows the importance of early identification of speech, language and communication delays or disorders and the potential risk of late recognition.

There are many different reasons that a child can develop a speech, language or communication problem. Having hearing problems can prevent them from hearing sounds or language properly and using a dummy past the age of 12 months can both cause speech problems, not being exposed to enough language or having no need to talk because parents will speak for them or just give orders such as “dinner, bed” can lead to communication problems. But the majority of the time the causes of speech, language and communication problems are unidentifiable.

Early identification of speech, language and communication delays or disorders means the child can sooner receive the right treatment and support to hopefully correct the problem. greatly increasing the chances of improving their skills and helping to get their development back on track as quickly as possible. Late recognition of speech, language and communication delays can lead to problems with understanding or a child being able to express their own feelings, leaving them feeling angry or frustrated and causing them to act out and maybe develop behavior problems. It can also effect their confidence and self-esteem causing problems building relationships with peers and becoming isolated for fear of being laughed at or bullied. And finally it can cause learning delays, particularly in literacy, having problems with sounds and letters leading to delays in reading and spelling.