1. Development of Language and Speech
Merrie J. Kaas, Ph.D, APRN, PMHCNS, FAAN
Professor, University of Minnesota
Fulbright Scholar, University of akureyri

2. Twin babies talking: Do they have language?
Listening to Children
Speech is making the sounds that become words-the physical act of talking.
Language is our system of using words to communicate. It includes using words and gestures to say what we mean, and understanding what others say.
Twin babies talking: Do they have language?

3. Stages of Development
See Handouts

4. Language Delays
Language delays (pronouncing words but not in an order): about 60% of language delays in children under 3 years of age resolve spontaneously and are a result of developmental delays, not pathology
Common circumstances for language delays are:
Concentration on physical skills
Siblings who interpret for the child
Inadequate stimulation for language development
Bilingualism
Psychosocial deprivation

5. Speech Delays Common circumstances for language delays are
Speech delays (can use words and phrases but is difficult to understand)
Common circumstances for language delays are
Oral impairments (cleft palate)
Oral-motor problems (difficulty coordinating lips)
Hearing problems (chronic ear infections)

6. Physical Problems Causing Language Delays
Neurological impairments such as autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy
Hearing impairment
Congenital blindness
Learning disability
Klinefelter syndrome: males with extra X chromosome

7. Consequences of Delays
Receptive aphasia: A developmental disorder in which a child has difficulty comprehending spoken and written language Expressive aphasia: A developmental disorder in which a child has lower-than-normal proficiency in vocabulary, production of complex sentences, and word recall, although language comprehension is normal. Behavioral problems Social/relationship concerns

8. Speech Sound Disorders Prevention
Talk, read, and play with your child every day.
–Children learn sounds and words by hearing and seeing them.
•Take care of your child’s teeth and mouth.
•Have your child’s hearing checked.
•Have your child’s speech screened at a local clinic or school.

9. Voice Disorders Prevention
Try not to shout or scream, or to talk in noisy places.
•Drink plenty of water.
–Water keeps the mouth and throat moist.
•Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chemical fumes (such as from cleaning products), and smoking.
•See a doctor if you have allergies or sinus or respiratory infections.

10. Language Disorder Prevention
In children
–talk and read with your child
–have your child’s hearing checked regularly
–learn about speech and language development
–don’t drink or use drugs while you are pregnant
–be sure that your child uses a helmet and seat
–belt to prevent accidents that cause brain injury

11. Language Disorder Prevention
Language disorders in adults are often caused by brain injury or stroke.
•Reduce risk factors for stroke by
–stopping smoking
–keeping your blood pressure down
•Use helmets and seat belts to prevent brain injury.