The term development delays, refers to when your child takes longer to reach a single or a number of development milestones as compared to other children of the same age. It can be used to describe both a physical and/or cognitive delay. For example, physically your child may be slower at learning how to walk compared to other children or mentally your child may not learn as fast as other children of the same age.
For some babies and toddlers, delays are short term and with the help and support of a speech therapist and active lesson plan you can see reduced effects or even complete overcome of delay. For other babies and toddlers, the delay can be more significant, consequently requiring ongoing support. This could occur due a number of factors, including physical disability or learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Early and proactive diagnosis and support is important.
A diagnosis of developmental delay can be a very confusing experience. Due to all of the factors that can potentially contribute to your child's delay, it may be difficult to find a single root cause. In many circumstances, the delay may be caused by a number of contributing factors.
Diagnosing your child in the early stages of their delay is very important for their recovery. While it is difficult to notice in the early stages of your child's development, if you spot any signs that your child is lagging behind others of the same age, then it may be a good idea to schedule a diagnosis. A diagnosis will help determine the extent of your child's delay and also how we can help.
It is important to note, that all children adapt and develop at their own pace. As a result, you may possibly mistake a delay for slow development.
Here is a generic guideline as to what you should expect to see in your baby, during their stages of development.
1-3 Months
4-6 months
1 Year
2 Years
At SpeechAim, all of our therapy sessions are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of your child. No matter their delay we can help. Here are some of the ways in which we can help you and your child.
Physical Delay
From a physical standpoint, we can provide your child with a range of exercises and techniques all designed to help build up their physical capabilities and improve movement as much as possible. Each therapy sessions will be uniquely tailored to your child's strengths and weaknesses in order to promote development as much as possible.
Cognitive Delay
From a cognitive standpoint, we can provide your child with a range of learning techniques and strategies that will help them to better understand language and how to use it. We also make full use of technology, audio books, toys, and lesson plans to help your child grasp a better understanding of the English language. Our expert speech-language pathologists will assess what your child understands, clarity of speech, expressive language and how the articulators of the mouth (tongue, hard palette etc.) work together for speech production.
At SpeechAim, we want to show you, as parents, how to help your child at home. In order to encourage speech development at home, you can:
Read to your child. By using age-appropriate books such as picture books, you will encourage your child to associate names with pictures.
Communication is key. Communicate with your baby, sing songs, encourage your child to imitate particular sounds.
Talk to your child throughout the day. Whether you're cleaning the house or cooking a meal, it is important to build on your child's speech and language by pointing out particular objects. In turn, this will encourage your child to imitate speech sounds and gestures.
All of our therapists are available around the clock whenever you need them. At home, at school or in the workplace. For more information, or to schedule an appointment please contact us below.