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Pregnancy &
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Children and Speech Defects
Age appropriate delays in speech pattern are
normal and are not a concern for treatment. Speech defect patterns
often run in families. If you believe that your child may have a
developmental delay in speech, proper assessment is crucial. Your
child’s pediatrician can assist you in assessing whether your
child has a speech impairment.
Although omissions in speech patterns, such as a
missing or mispronounced “r” or “p,” may appear cute, they often
signal a more severe situation. Quite often, these
mispronunciations are indicative of speech impairment.
Fortunately, solutions are readily available.
Most school districts have a professional speech
therapist available to administer speech therapy to a child who
has been diagnosed with a speech impediment. Private speech
therapists are also available and generally charge by the half
hour. Once diagnosed, speech therapy should be started
immediately.
A child with speech problems may experience
frustration due to the inability of others to properly understand
him. It is important to the child’s self-esteem that you begin
therapy immediately. A trained professional generally provides
therapy; however, it is crucial that someone at home reinforces
the therapy.
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