Speech development

Advice on how parents can help to stimulate their childs development of speech, language and communication skills during the early years.

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The development of speech is a key milestone in your child's development. There is a huge variation in the development of expressive language. From the moment your child is born she is taking in all that is necessary to learn about the world, including the ability to speak. While it is true that all children will learn new skills at different ages and stages, it is also true that there is much that you can do to help them along the way. A lot of the actual speech that you hear from a child is dependent on the development of muscles and motor skills associated with speaking, however so much more of the skills required for speaking has a lot to do with what is going on in their head. There is much you can do to help them along.

Children generally understand far more than they are able to communicate themselves. Girls seem to develop the ability to communicate earlier than boys. Language can develop smoothly and continuously, or in jumps and spurts. It is important not to compare your child's language development to other children's language development, because the development of speech varies. If you feel your child is delayed in either receptive or expressive language, discuss your concerns with your doctor or health visitor. Your child will then be assessed and possibly referred to a professional who specialises in speech and language development.

Always check your child's ability to hear, and pay attention to ear problems and infections, especially when they keep occurring.