Did you know that there are over 650 million people who have a disability? 

Children who experience a speech delay can face a few challenges. Socializing with others, for instance, will often prove difficult for them. Additionally, their academic progress will suffer.

To accelerate their language skills, you have to get to the root of the problem. Read below to learn the top five causes of speech delay in children.

1. Hearing Impairments

Hearing impairments are among the top five common causes of speech delay in children. Hearing impairment can range from mild impairment, in which a person can detect subtle sounds. It has difficulty with louder and more complex sounds to a profound impairment in which a person cannot hear.

A child’s hearing ability can affect their speech development. They are not learning the sounds of language the way other children do. Children with hearing impairments can be slow in learning how to ask questions. 

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Speech delays are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the most significant warning signs of ASD is difficulty with or delay in acquiring language and communication skills.

Attention struggles can make it hard for autistic children to focus on the sounds around them and process language. Trouble processing sounds or words are linked to sensory processing and executive functioning issues common among people with ASD, as is difficulty forming words. If you suspect your child may be experiencing a speech delay, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

3. Genetics

Genetics can be an essential factor in determining speech delays in children. While there may be other causes, some speech delays are caused by genetics alone.

Specific genes related to language and speech are common causes of speech delay in children. These genes often affect the areas of the brain that control speaking and language development. This means the child may lag behind their peers regarding speech development. 

4. Health Conditions

Speech delays can range from mild to severe and impede a child’s social and academic development.

Physicians will conduct various physical, psychological, and neurological tests to identify these health conditions. Early intervention is vital to addressing and correcting speech delays and helping children reach their full potential.

5. Developmental Delays

Speech delay is a common type of developmental delay that affects many children. Some of the most common causes of speech delay include motor skill delays and cognitive delays.

Motor skill delays can cause difficulty with proper pronunciation and articulation, making it hard for children to communicate their thoughts effectively. Cognitive delays can also interfere with language development due to children’s problems understanding and processing information.

Treating Speech Delay in Children

It is important to remember that speech delay in children can be corrected in many cases with proper and immediate treatment. Parents should stay alert and observant of their children’s speech development and consult a pediatrician if they have any concerns. Call your pediatrician today to begin children’s speech delay treatment to help your child’s speech development.

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