Phonogical Disorders and Baby Talk
Baby Talk Begins When They Are Babies
Should you be concerned?
Phonological disorders are often considered ‘cute’ while the child is young, but when we in turn mimic the baby talk of toddler speech, it reinforces through audio and verbal reinforcement the mispronunciation and tends to make it a learned delay which becomes be a source of embarrassment. Ignoring the need for speech intervention after age six most always will affect a child's acceptance by their peers. Interesting studies have been done on bullying on the playground and the targeting of shy children with speech delays --a topic for another day.
All babies begin by talking baby talk. So when should you be concerned? Many speech- language pathologists are coming to the conclusion that toddlers are being diagnosed too hastily. Infant voice boxes are still developing as well as tongue and mouth co-ordination.
The worst thing we can do is talk like they do.
Most early speech delays will automatically correct themselves as toddlers hear correct speech. Verbal stimulation through conversing, singing, playing and reading will go a long way to help the young child develop proper speech.
Be sure to consider hearing problems, oral-motor problems, and even developmental delays when evaluating whether or not your child needs specialized help. Early intervention does pay off.
Auditory bombardment can be a very effective and very enjoyable method of speech intervention. Simple songs, rhymes and stories are part of a child’s everyday play. When you enter in, with your personal touch, learning truly begins. Indeed, most all SLP will admit that the child learns best from the parent.
Encouraging the child to talk during play, even if their diction is not perfect, will pay off in time. The first part of speaking correctly is hearing correctly. Repetition reinforces learning.
You can make up your own words and put them to familiar tunes. You can read books targeting specific sounds. You can make a game while riding in a car. At time, silence can be deafening. Take the opportunity to fill the silence with sound.
Here are a few suggestions for fun interactive books that will delight your child as you do your part to encourage proper speech in your toddler.
Predictable Text Books
