"How Can I Train My Child with Delayed Speech Development?"
Addressing Delayed Speech Development in Children
For children with delayed speech, it is recommended that parents work closely with pediatricians to improve the issue. Common causes of delayed speech in children include family environment, brain development, hearing loss, intellectual developmental disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Based on these varied reasons, parents are advised to promptly communicate with pediatricians for interventions such as training and medication. Detailed explanations follow:
1. Family Environment
A strict, disharmonious, or unwelcoming family atmosphere may make children feel suppressed, leading them to avoid social interaction and thus causing delayed speech. Parents should actively improve the family environment, making it warm and secure, encouraging children to communicate more with the outside world, engage with family and friends, and enhance their linguistic expression abilities.
2. Brain Development
Incomplete or delayed brain development can affect the language center in the brain, influencing the speed of speech. Parents can engage children in targeted brain exercises like language games and reading to promote brain development and linguistic ability.
3. Hearing Loss
Children with hearing impairments may have difficulty hearing or understanding external sounds, affecting language development. If hearing loss is present, corrective measures like hearing aids or cochlear implants should be pursued. Additionally, parents should engage in frequent verbal interactions to encourage speech imitation and learning.
4. Intellectual Developmental Disorders
Intellectual developmental disorders are a common cause of language development disorders. While language development milestones may align with those of typical children, the pace can be slower, as seen in conditions like Down syndrome. Medications and training can address speech delays stemming from intellectual developmental disorders. Medications that promote brain nerve and cell development, like children's intellectual syrup and cerebroprotein hydrolysate, may be prescribed. Parents should also engage in multifaceted language interactions and training, such as storytelling and games, to foster linguistic expression.
5. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Also known as autism, ASD is characterized by language development disorders, manifesting in social situations as a lack of language, repetitive or exaggerated language patterns. For speech delays due to ASD, medications like methylphenidate and haloperidol may be prescribed under medical guidance. Concurrently, psychological and behavioral interventions are necessary to develop social and communication skills.
Each child's situation is unique, necessitating individualized treatment plans tailored to their needs. If delayed speech or abnormalities are observed, parents should promptly consult a doctor to diagnose the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Avoiding medical consultation can delay crucial interventions. Furthermore, parents should engage in regular language interactions and training in daily life, providing a supportive language environment to enhance children's linguistic abilities.