Speech therapy

Language, speech and communication are closely linked. Language is a system of signs, spoken, written or gestural; speech is the practical use of language; communication is the way we interact with others and one of language's main functions. Speech develops in early childhood in stages: a pre-speech stage of cooing and babbling comes first, and words and phrases follow. Parents should therefore pay attention to how and what their child says at each age. If there are problems with speech, language use or communication, see a speech and language therapist after consulting a paediatric neurologist, a psychiatrist and an ENT specialist and having the child's hearing checked.

Doctors examine the child to rule out neuropsychiatric or other disorders that might be causing the speech problem; the speech therapist then assesses and differentiates disorders of perception, understanding and use of speech, explains the mechanism and builds a plan of sessions on that basis. Therapy sessions alone are not enough: parents play a large role, and correction may take longer than expected. Talk to the child more every day, speak clearly and in full sentences, and let the child answer questions and express their own thoughts and wishes rather than turning conversation into a parental monologue.

In children with neurological conditions communication develops atypically for many reasons. Neurological disorders are often accompanied by speech disorders affecting any part of the speech apparatus (articulation, voice, breathing) and their coordination; in cerebral palsy speech problems are often linked to shallow breathing and difficulty synchronising breathing with phonation. Sensory impairments also matter: around 20% of children with cerebral palsy have hearing problems, roughly 20 to 40% have visual problems, and eye movement disorders are common. Poor movement precision and postural control further limit everyday situations and non-verbal skills. Finding the cause early is essential, and the most effective approach is a professional team working together with the parents. The child should be motivated and encouraged, and communication and sessions should be a pleasure.