There are several hurdles that children need to overcome as they grow up and these hurdles are going to vary from child to child. One thing that a lot of toddlers struggle with is learning to speak – not only learning words and their meaning but also being able to sound out the words that they know as well. This is referred to as having a speech sound disorder.
What Is a Speech Sound Disorder?
Simply put, a speech sound disorder is a blanket description which gets used to refer to a child’s difficulty with forming, learning, and using the sounds and sound patterns within their language. These become clear as a child reaches toddler age and if your child is showing signs of a speech sound disorder, then it may be worth seeking the assistance of a speech pathologist ndis.
A speech development disorder can indicate several challenges with motor speech. This is where a child has trouble with moving the muscles in their face which need to be moved to produce speech. They might also have reduced coordination when they are attempting to speak as well.
What Are the Symptoms of a Speech Sound Disorder?
Having a speech and sound disorder can manifest in several different ways. It usually depends on what factors are leading to the challenge, or how extreme the disorder is. Some of the most common symptoms that indicate your child might have a sound speech disorder include the likes of:
– Stuttering.
– Your child removing a sound from a word.
– Including an unnecessary sound in a word.
– Replacing sounds which are hard to pronounce with an easier alternative.
– Have trouble pronouncing the same sound in different words.
– Repeating certain words and sounds.
– Unnecessary lengthening of words.
– Pausing whilst speaking.
– Tension when sounds are being produced.
– Head jerks when speaking.
– Blinking when speaking.
– A sense of shame when speaking.
– Noticeable differences in voice pitch.
– A raspy voice.
– Running out of breath when speaking.
How Are Speech Sound Disorders Diagnosed?
To diagnose a speech sound disorder, a speech-language pathologist can determine whether a child has some kind of speech-sound disorder. The guidelines surrounding a diagnosis require that:
– The child experiences persistent difficulty with producing certain sounds.
– The symptoms outlined above appear earlier on in the child’s development stages
– The disorder limits communication and, as such, the child struggles with the likes of social interaction, and achieving academically, and it could limit their job roles in later life.
– The disorder in question is not being caused by any other conditions that the child may have, for instance, a congenital disorder or an acquired condition, such as hearing loss, can lead to further issues with speech. Any hereditary issues, it should be noted, are not included in this guideline.
If you’re worried that your child may have a speech sound disorder, then the best course of action is to contact a professional.
Read Also
- Discover Innovative Methods of San Diego’s Substance Abuse TreatmentsWhen it comes to handling substance abuse, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different levels of substance abuse require varying care to meet the person’s needs and then get them back on track. In San Diego, you can find a variety of innovative solutions, including an intensive outpatient program that provides flexibility, support, and accountability to… Read more: Discover Innovative Methods of San Diego’s Substance Abuse Treatments
- Why Does My Crown Hurt? Understanding the Causes and SolutionsDental crowns are common restorative treatments used to restore teeth that are damaged or decayed. While crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, some patients experience discomfort or pain after getting one. If you’re wondering, “Why does my crown hurt?” you’re not alone. Pain after a crown procedure can stem from a variety of… Read more: Why Does My Crown Hurt? Understanding the Causes and Solutions
- How Medical Spa Services Are Evolving to Meet Modern Health NeedsAs wellness and self-care have taken center stage in healthcare, medical spa services have transformed to meet diverse, modern health needs. These facilities, combining medical treatments with a relaxing spa environment, are now more accessible and comprehensive, addressing both aesthetic and functional health concerns. From personalized wellness plans to advanced technological treatments, medical spas are… Read more: How Medical Spa Services Are Evolving to Meet Modern Health Needs
- Help For Managing Chronic PainChronic pain is a persistent pain condition lasting beyond the normal healing period, typically over three months, and it can significantly impact one’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Managing chronic pain can be difficult, but numerous strategies and treatments are available to help people achieve relief and enhance their quality of life. A comprehensive approach… Read more: Help For Managing Chronic Pain
- What Is Well-being at Every Life Stage?Well-being is a broad concept encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health, and it evolves as we progress through different stages of life. Each phase—childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age—brings unique challenges and opportunities. Let’s explore what well-being looks like at each stage and how our needs change as we grow. Childhood: Laying the Foundations for… Read more: What Is Well-being at Every Life Stage?
- The Health Benefits of Moving into a Care HomeIt often has negative connotations, but moving into a care home can have a remarkable impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Many people associate care homes with a loss of independence or a reduced quality of life, but, in reality, care homes offer a supportive environment designed to enhance physical, emotional, and social health.… Read more: The Health Benefits of Moving into a Care Home