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
- Partial dentures: comfort, aesthetics
Understanding Partial Dentures: Types and materials Think of partial dentures as custom-tailored clothing for your mouth—each style and substance plays its distinct role. There are three principal varieties: Material choice profoundly influences both feel and looks. If you’re researching options, exploring Partial dentures can unlock insight into materials and styles designed not just to restore,… Read more: Partial dentures: comfort, aesthetics - How Family Physicians Bridge Preventive Health and Tailored TreatmentWhy Your Future Health Starts with Today’s Choices Picture this: a mother balancing work deadlines, school drop-offs, and grocery runs. In the chaos of her schedule, her annual check-up gets pushed. Months later, what started as a silent issue evolves into something much more serious—and costly. These scenarios play out every day, with deferred care… Read more: How Family Physicians Bridge Preventive Health and Tailored Treatment
- Fresh Perspectives on St George Dental Care StrategiesOpening Context: Modern Demands on Oral Health Advances in technology, changes in diets, and evolving aesthetics have transformed expectations for oral health care. Patients seek faster solutions, long-lasting treatments, and processes that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Beyond basic cleanings, there is a growing desire for preventive, personalized care that prioritizes comfort and precision. A… Read more: Fresh Perspectives on St George Dental Care Strategies
- Collective Medical Support: How Health Sharing Communities Transform Healthcare AccessA New Approach to Covering Medical Bills Healthcare costs continue to burden households, with rising premiums and unexpected bills creating uncertainty for many. In facing these challenges, some opt for an alternative model: health-sharing communities. Instead of traditional insurance, members contribute monthly to a collective pool that helps pay for medical expenses. A recent report… Read more: Collective Medical Support: How Health Sharing Communities Transform Healthcare Access
- Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAEWelcoming a child is a significant milestone in any family’s journey. As exciting as this chapter is, it also brings with it a fair share of responsibilities—especially when it comes to planning for healthcare costs. Health insurance is now mandatory in the UAE, but as with any type of insurance, the smallest requirement might not… Read more: Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAE
- Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting RecoveryWith increasing numbers of teens experiencing emotional and behavioral health concerns, adolescent mental health treatment has become more essential than ever. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood instability are on the rise, and effective support must evolve with these growing needs. Today’s treatment models blend evidence-based therapy with flexible access and holistic care, giving… Read more: Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting Recovery
