Pediatric Speech Therapy for Delayed Speech in Chicago, IL
Wondering why your baby prefers to observe their surroundings rather than coo and babble? Or noticing your child often pauses between saying words while forming sentences? If either of these sound a bit like your child, or if your child has other speech challenges, you may be picking up on signs of delayed speech.
At SensAble Kids, we help your child build their speaking skills through an empowering mix of compassion, teamwork, and expertise. Here, your child can find their path to feeling excited and confident about speech, empowering them to use their voice while engaging with their world.
What Is Delayed Speech?
While the term may seem scary at first, delayed speech only means a child has not reached an expected speech milestone for their age, which can range from not cooing as an infant to struggling to articulate sounds, words, or sentences as an older child.
Most of the time, a speech delay is not a cause for concern. This is because children develop skills at a speed unique to them.
But, this is also why keeping an eye on your child’s speech achievements is so important. By referring to developmental milestones for their age, you will know when to seek additional support to empower your child’s growth.
Common Signs of Delayed Speech
While each child learns how to speak at their own pace, you may notice indicators that your child could benefit from speech support. These are some signs to watch for as your child grows:
- Prefers gestures over making sounds or saying words
- Easily loses interest when you encourage them to imitate sounds or words
- Seems frustrated when trying to form sounds or communicate
- Favors observing over talking in social settings (this may be a sign of shyness or introversion, but is still worth evaluating)
- Frequently pauses between saying words while speaking
- Often tries mouthing words before articulating them
Common Causes of Delayed Speech
Remember, your child may just simply be growing at their own rate, with refined speech skills right around the corner. However, from time to time, there may be a cause behind a speech delay. Here are some to consider and discuss with your child’s pediatric specialist:
- Struggling with oral motor skills, possibly from a tongue- or lip-tie or cleft palate or lip
- Having hearing difficulties
- Experiencing a speech disorder, such as repeating sounds, syllables, or words (stuttering) or speaking in a way that is rapid and/or disorganized (cluttering)
- Navigating life with a condition like autism spectrum disorder or down syndrome
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Treats Delayed Speech
At SensAble Kids in Chicago, our team of experts practices a relationship-based approach to pediatric speech therapy. In a friendly and supportive environment, our pediatric speech therapists lead personalized clinical sessions filled with evidence-based, play-inspired activities to build communication skills. These dedicated efforts engage your child, helping them improve their speech in effective and fun ways.
If your child needs encouragement to form sounds or articulate words and sentences for talking, our pediatric speech therapists are here to support your child with the strategies and practice they need to babble or speak with ease, excitement, and confidence. Call SensAble Kids today to book a free consultation or contact us online.
Book Your Child’s Evaluation Today
If your child is struggling with communication or feeding, don’t wait to get support. Fill out our online contact form today to schedule a comprehensive speech therapy evaluation. We’re here to help your child find their voice and thrive.