The delay in language: how to address it
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Causes of language delay
Language acquisition in children is a complex process that begins with the first communicative interactions that have adult with him long before he can master. Not all children acquire language at the same rate, for this reason is considered that there is a language delay when there is a lag in making it through the ages that are considered normal.
When we speak of language delay, this may be simple, when it's just an evolutionary lag (eg the first words do not appear before 2 years when the normal would be between 10-18 months) or severe as it would be a dysphasia or audiomudez. The language delay affects vocabulary is limited; the construction of phrases and sentences, speech and organization.
Often the language delay also carries an associated motor delay: they are children who acquire the march later, have more difficulty in coordination and precision of movement and a body image unstructured.
The etiology is also varied, ranging from difficulties in auditory perception (as would a hearing loss by recurrent otitis), neurological problems, a poor environment Linguistically, lack of stimulation, bilingualism, affective factors, etc ...
Diagnosis of language delay in a patient
The diagnosis of language delay is not simple and passes through referral to different specialties such as otolaryngology, neurology, psychology and speech therapy. Each of the professionals should perform scans it deems fit for diagnosis.
Treatment of language delay
There is no child alike and there is also no language delay alike, so the treatment should always be individualized, taking into account the needs of each particular case.
Considering the above, very generally and crudely, the basic working aspects will be three levels of language: the form, content and use.
In turn, these other aspects are to be considered as attention, perception, discrimination and auditory memory.
As a treatment for delayed language specialists Speech therapy recommend working part psychomotor both fine and coarse. Another aspect to work will be the nearest social environment the child giving guidance to the family to go correcting situations or unfavorable aspects (overprotection, demand, lack of stimulation, etc.) guidelines
Consequences of a delay in language if not treated early
Within the overall child development, language acquisition is one more aspect so a language delay may affect the development of other cognitive areas, motor skills, emotional development and the relationship and social interaction. They will also be affected learning, and literacy in the school environment.
Prevention language delay
Given that the etiology of a language delay is very diverse, it is difficult to prevent because of the many factors that may intervene. It is very important that the child has an emotional environment and adequate stimulation from birth.
