Speech & Language
Information for Parents
Speech Problems are Common!
Millions of children are affected by speech & language difficulties. These difficulties vary in severity, from slight stuttering to a complete inability to communicate. Early treatment is the key to preventing a speech or language difficulty from becoming a lifelong problem. An OISD Speech & Language Pathologist can provide many services, including testing and diagnosis, information and support, and school-based speech & language therapy.
Early Signs of Speech & Language Problems
Pay special attention if a child:
- Is difficult to understand
- Uses words and pronounces words incorrectly
- Consistently uses incorrect grammar
- Can't seem to hear or understand others well
- Speaks too loudly
- Begins to develop a hesitating speech pattern
- Can't follow directions
- Doesn't speak
Common Speech & Language Disorders
- Stuttering means betting stuck on a sound or syllable so the flow of speech is interrupted.
- Poor Voice Control involves speaking with abnormal pitch, tone, or volume.
- Articulation Problems involve difficulty in making correct speech sounds.
- Language Development involves problems with verbalization of ideas, vocabulary, or sentence structure.