2.3 Outline speech and language difficulties that may be experienced by babies and children as they acquire language

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Outline speech and language difficulties that may be experienced by babies and children as they acquire language.

Speech and language development is a part of a child’s growth. Babies and children acquire language skills in stages, starting from birth. Some children, however, experience difficulties during this process. These challenges may affect their ability to understand, process, or use language. Early identification and support are important to address speech and language difficulties effectively in the early years.

Types of Speech and Language Difficulties

Speech and language difficulties can present in various ways. Below are common types and how they can affect a child:

• Speech Delay: Some children take longer to speak their first words or develop speech clear enough to be understood. This can happen for various reasons, including hearing issues or lack of exposure to conversation.
• Articulation Problems: This occurs when children struggle with pronouncing words correctly. They may omit or replace certain sounds, making their speech unclear. For example, “cat” might be pronounced as “tat.”
• Stammering or Stuttering: Some children repeat sounds or words, or they may pause often during speech. This can make communication harder for them and potentially impact their confidence.
• Receptive Language Difficulties: A child with this issue finds it hard to understand spoken language. They may struggle to follow instructions or process what is being said.
• Expressive Language Difficulties: This type affects a child’s ability to express their thoughts or needs through speech. They may have trouble forming sentences or finding the right words.
• Selective Mutism: This is an anxiety-related condition where a child speaks freely in some settings (like home) but remains silent in others (like school). It is not a refusal to talk but an inability to talk in certain situations.

Causes of Speech and Language Difficulties

There are many reasons why a child might face challenges with speech and language. Some of these are:

• Hearing Loss: A child who cannot hear properly may struggle to imitate sounds or understand speech.
• Developmental Delay: Children with overall developmental delays may also show slower progress in language skills.
• Physical Issues: Conditions like a cleft palate or tongue-tie can make it harder for children to form sounds.
• Neurological Conditions: Disorders like cerebral palsy can affect the muscles used for speech.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many children with autism experience communication challenges, such as delayed speech development or difficulty using and understanding language.
• Social or Environmental Factors: Limited interaction, a lack of exposure to language, or neglect can impact language development.
• Family History: A family history of speech and language issues may increase the likelihood of difficulties in a child.

How to Recognise Signs of Speech and Language Difficulties

There are clear signs that might indicate challenges in speech or language development. These signs vary depending on the age of the child:

Babies (up to 12 months)

• Does not babble or attempt to make sounds by six months.
• Does not respond to sounds, such as their name or a sudden noise.
• Limited use of gestures, such as pointing or waving.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Does not say their first words by around 12–15 months.
• Speaks fewer than 50 words by two years.
• Difficulty combining two words to form short phrases by two-and-a-half years.
• Cannot follow simple verbal instructions, such as “pick up the ball.”

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

• Speech is unclear or difficult to understand for others outside the family.
• Cannot form simple sentences or use past tense (like “I played”).
• Repeats sounds or struggles to explain themselves.
• Shows frustration when trying to communicate their needs.

How Speech and Language Difficulties Affect Children

Children with speech and language difficulties can experience a range of issues that impact their daily life. These include:

• Social Impact: Difficulty communicating with peers can lead to social isolation, frustration, or low self-esteem.
• Behavioural Problems: A child who cannot express themselves properly might show their frustration through tantrums or withdrawn behaviour.
• Educational Difficulties: Language is closely linked to learning. Challenges in understanding instructions or processing language may hinder a child’s progress in subjects such as reading or writing.

Common Interventions for Speech and Language Difficulties

There are many ways to support children with speech and language difficulties. Early intervention is key. Below are some common strategies and interventions:

Speech and Language Therapy

A speech and language therapist (SaLT) assesses and treats children with language difficulties. They may work one-on-one with the child or provide advice and activities for practitioners and parents to follow.

Regular Communication Practice

Encouraging regular conversations at home and in childcare settings helps children expand their vocabulary and understanding. Talking about daily routines or reading aloud can strengthen their language skills.

Use of Visual Supports

For children who find verbal communication challenging, visual aids such as picture cards or gestures can help. These allow children to communicate their needs while developing their verbal language.

Creating Language-Rich Environments

Language-rich environments expose children to plentiful opportunities for learning new words and practising speech. This includes storytime, rhymes, roleplay, and group discussions.

Listening to the Child’s Interests

Focusing on what a child enjoys can motivate them to communicate. If a child likes trains, for example, practitioners might introduce train-related vocabulary during play.

Who Can Help with Speech and Language Difficulties?

Many professionals and support networks are available to help babies and children with speech and language problems:

• Health Visitors: They provide developmental checks and can refer parents to specialists if they identify delays.
• Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs): These specialists assess and treat children with communication needs.
• Early Years Practitioners: Practitioners encourage language development through play, communication, and structured activities.
• Paediatricians or GPs: They can assess whether speech or language difficulties might be linked to other health problems.

Methods for Early Years Practitioners

As an Early Years Practitioner, you can take several steps to help children with speech and language difficulties:

• Model Clear Speech: Speak slowly and clearly to help children understand and imitate correct speech patterns.
• Give Children Time to Respond: Avoid rushing a child to answer. This gives them time to process language and respond.
• Rephrase, Don’t Correct: If a child makes a mistake, rephrase their sentence instead of pointing out the error. For example, if they say “I goed,” you can reply, “Yes, you went.”
• Encourage Turn-Taking: Activities like passing a ball during group time promote turn-taking in conversations.
• Build Vocabulary into Play: Expand a child’s vocabulary by naming objects, describing actions, and using varied sentence structures.
• Engage with Parents: Work in partnership with families to support a child’s language at home and in nursery settings.

Final Thoughts

Speech and language development is a gradual process, and each child will develop at their own pace. Some will reach milestones sooner, while others may need prolonged support. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes. By working together with families and specialists, Early Years Practitioners can make a positive difference in helping children build strong communication skills.