Speech and Language Disorders in Children: A Guide for Bradenton & Sarasota Parents
At Edge Therapies, Bradenton and Sarasota County's premier pediatric therapy center, we believe every child deserves the best support for communication development. Understanding speech and language disorders can help local families get appropriate intervention when it matters most.
Common Speech and Language Disorders in Children
Speech Delays
A speech delay occurs when a child takes longer than usual to begin speaking. While some children are simply “late talkers” and catch up over time, a speech delay can sometimes signal an underlying disorder. Children with speech delays may struggle to form words, use a limited vocabulary, or be hard to understand when they speak. A speech delay can vary in severity, so it's important to monitor your child’s progress and seek guidance if needed.
Articulation Disorders
Articulation disorders refer to difficulties in producing sounds correctly. Children with these disorders may have trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds, which can make their speech unclear. Common examples include substituting sounds (saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit") or omitting sounds (saying "ca" instead of "cat"). While some speech sound errors are common in younger children, persistent errors beyond a certain age may require professional evaluation.
Language Impairments
Language impairments, also known as language disorders, affect a child's ability to understand and use language. This can include difficulty with vocabulary, forming sentences, understanding grammar, or following directions. There are two main types of language impairments: expressive language disorder (trouble expressing thoughts) and receptive language disorder (difficulty understanding spoken or written language). These impairments can impact a child's academic performance and social interactions if not addressed early.
Warning Signs for Bradenton & Sarasota Parents
Limited speech development by 18 months
Difficulty following simple instructions
Unclear pronunciation beyond age 4
Social communication challenges
Regression of previously acquired language skills
How Edge Therapies Can Help
If you notice any of these signs in your child, don't hesitate to reach out to a speech therapist or pediatrician. Early intervention can make a world of difference, and a professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine if therapy is needed. In some cases, a referral to an early intervention program may be recommended.
At Edge Therapies, we specialize in providing personalized speech therapy services tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our team of experienced therapists can assess speech and language development, work on articulation, and provide strategies to help your child improve their communication skills. Whether your child is experiencing a speech delay, articulation disorder, or language impairment, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Edge Therapies today at 727-900-5799 to schedule an assessment with one of our experienced Bradenton-Sarasota speech-language pathologists. Together, we'll help your child build strong communication skills for academic and social success.