Frequently Asked Questions

Speech is the verbal expression of language and includes the way sounds are formed (articulation). Language is the entire system of giving and getting information in a meaningful way. It’s understanding and being understood through communication- verbal, nonrverbal, and written.

As with other skills and milestones, the age at which a child learns language and starts talking can vary. However, a delayed talker, or a ‘late talker’ is a child who exhibits the expected sequence and patterns of speech & language development, but at a slower rate than his same age peers. Thus, when in a room of similar age peers, his talking will sound like that of a younger child.

The term “language delay” is used when a child’s speech and language development is following the usual pattern and sequence, but at a slower rate. A “language disorder” refers to speech and language development which is not following the usual pattern and/or sequence. In other words, a child’s language may be developing in an unusual pattern or different from similar age peers.

It is always best to first contact your child’s pediatrician if you are having concerns with his speech and/or language development. He/she may refer you to a developmental specialist or a speech and language therapist. You may also contact an early intervention program for an evaluation if your child is younger than 3 years, or your local school district if he is 3 or older (see Resources to find a contact in your state).

Our babies are listening, watching, and beginning to emulate from the get-go! So when modeling language for them, always provide language that is at their level or slightly above their level. Modeling in this way is called scaffolding in their zone of proximal development.

Otitis media is the medical term for inflammation of the middle ear that is accompanied by fluid build-up. When fluid accumulates in the middle ear space it prevents the tiny bones inside the ear from moving properly. This prevents sound from being conducted and hearing may be impaired until the fluid clears. A child with recurrent ear infections experiences temporary impairment of hearing with each bout of an ear infection. Research studies report that fluid build-up can persist for up to 6-weeks after the ear infection has resolved. Not hearing adequately for a span of 7-10 weeks on a repeated basis can have a significant negative impact on the development of speech and language skills. Speak to your child’s pediatrician if you suspect your child has an ear infection.

Drooling is a natural phenomena in the development of all children. Babies and toddlers especially drool while teething. However excessive drooling beyond a certain age becomes a concern, as it is indicative of other oral motor deficits. If your child: a) Has an open mouth during most of the day, and/or sleeps with his mouth open b) Cannot maintain a lip seal (closed mouth with lips together) while eating, this losing liquid or food while eating c) Is unaware of the drool buildup and does not swallow the saliva when reminded verbally d) Has delayed speech or his speech is hard to be understood, then you should seek Questions to think about are: When is the child drooling? Is he able to maintain a lip seal/close mouth while eating? Is the child aware of the drool? How is the child’s speech development i.e. is he meeting his milestones?

Drooling is a natural phenomena in the development of all children. Babies and toddlers especially drool while teething. However excessive drooling beyond a certain age becomes a concern, as it is indicative of other oral motor deficits. If your child: a)Has an open mouth during most of the day, and/or sleeps with his mouth open b)Cannot maintain a lip seal (closed mouth with lips together) while eating, thus losing liquid or food while eating c)Is unaware of the drool buildup and does not swallow the saliva when reminded verbally d)Has delayed speech or his speech is hard to be understood, then you should seek the assistance of a skilled feeding therapist. Questions to think about are: When is the child drooling? Is he able to maintain a lip seal/close mouth while eating? Is the child aware of the drool? How is the child’s speech development i.e. is he meeting his milestones?

In short, no, this does not go away over time. A lisp, can be made by incorrect air flow from the front of the tongue (frontal lisp) or sides of the tongue (lateral lisp). Both types of lisps are incorrect ways for ‘s’ and ‘z’ production, and are in fact learned motor behaviors. Given it is a learned motor behavior, it is best to unlearn this motor pattern as young as 5-6 years of age, and teach the correct motor pattern for target sounds. Divya has honed specific techniques to teach these skills so that children can eventually self-monitor and demonstrate correct target sound production.