Delayed Speech and language development

What is delayed speech and language development?
We refer to delayed speech and language development when a young child, in their language use as well as speech, clearly seems to lag behind others of their age. The child does not (yet) speak in an apparant way; speech is not always easy to distinguishable and sometimes the child does not understand what is being said.
Delayed speech and language development can coincide with other disorders such as hard of hearing or a globally delayed. It can also come about that the child has problems with speech with no clear cause of this to be found.
Delay in speech and language development does bring problems: the child will not be understood in its environment, or is teased. This can lead to behavioural problems: the child becomes rebellious and quick tempered if not understood, or in contrast, withdraws even further. Learning at school too can be more difficult.
When parents or guardians are concerned at one time with their child’s speech, it is strongly advised to consult a speech therapist at this time.

 What does the speech therapist do?
The speech therapist is a professional in the area of speech, and will investigate which disorders influence the child’s speech. In some cases this involves examination by a paediatrician or Ear Nose and Throat specialist.
Speech therapy treatment can be direct or indirect. Indirect therapy involves the therapist instructing and guiding the parents or guardians towards the best way of stimulating their child to speak. In direct therapy treatment the exchange between child and therapist is central. The speech therapist will train understanding of language and improve listening behaviour: extending vocabulary, sentence structure and speech will all be worked on. Parents and guardians will be advised to practice language and speech exercises at home.
The total development of the child is kept in mind throughout the therapy, including additional problems and the opportunities within the child’s environment.

The result of the treatment depends, among other things, on the cause of the delay in developing. In general a delayed speech and language development can be treated well, especially when the problem is recognised at a young age.
The investigation and treatment for delayed speech and language development will, as a rule, be reimbursed by medical insurance, and almost every individual health insurance company, provided it has been recommended by a doctor or medical specialist.