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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStill, it\u2019s best to bring up any concerns with your child\u2019s doctor. If there is a language disorder or developmental problem, early treatment is key to preventing learning problems down the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Reasons for a Speech Delay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A variety of factors can lead to delayed speech and language skills. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Heredity.<\/li>
- Hearing loss.<\/li>
- Oral anatomy (problems with the tongue or soft palate).<\/li>
- Dysarthria (a disorder involving the muscles that control speech).<\/li>
- Exposure to multiple languages.<\/li>
- Neurological disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.<\/li>
- Learning disabilities.<\/li>
- Auditory processing disorders.<\/li>
- Premature birth.<\/li>
- Environmental deprivation.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your child\u2019s doctor cannot rule out a speech delay, a speech-language pathologist should be consulted for a full evaluation. This involves a series of tests that will be used to assess your child\u2019s receptive language and expressive language skills, sound development, speech clarity and oral-motor skills. Speech therapy may be recommended to help your child develop the skills necessary for effective communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Can Parents Do? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Both heredity and environment play a role in speech development. As a parent, there are steps you can take to assist your child with speech development. Communicate often (talk and sing), encourage verbal interaction whenever possible and read to your child starting at a young age. <\/p>\n\n\n