Common Questions

Does watching too much TV cause Speech Delay?

It is best to review guidelines from various reputable sources such as the Canadian Paediatric Society where there is information for parents from Canada’s pediatricians. cps.ca
states that “for children under 2 years old, screen time is not recommended” and “for children 2 to 5 years old, limit routine or regular screen time to less than 1 hour per day”.

They further add that “very often screen time is a lost opportunity for your child to learn in real time…” They discuss several risks for increased screen time and offer wonderful suggestions that can help reduce screen time for language and literacy development.

There are great apps to promote language development when used in a limited way. But the joy of face-to-face communication, reading aloud and together and having fun with communication is best for your child.

Does speech delay mean my child has Autism?

No. There are numerous causes of speech delay. Most commonly, we see children that are “late talkers”. That means they may not be following typical speech and language milestones for their age. Speech Therapists are experienced in identifying red flags for autism and then making the appropriate recommendations to parents about next steps.

What are some of the ways I can communicate with my baby?

The best way to communicate with your baby is to focus on the quality of your communication.

Use:

• Slower pace (not too slow)
• Gestures
• An interesting voice
• The right amount of speech – find a balance – not too much or too little
• Variety of words – nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
• Lots of repetition

And most important of all, enjoy being playful while communicating with your baby!

Why is reading to your children important for the development of stronger communication and literacy skills?

There are many reasons for this but here are two particularly notable ones.

• When children hear their favorite stories over and over again, they hear familiar words and see what they look like in print. This helps with reading and writing development because they make connections between what they see and what they hear.
• Another reason is that when they see and hear new words (vocabulary) their knowledge of new vocabulary and words grows. This will help with listening and reading comprehension (understanding).

Are there everyday tips that will help my child’s communication improve?

There are so many tips and activities that promote speech and language development.
Some general tips include:

• Make talking fun! Communicate while playing
• Sing songs with repetitive phrases
• Read daily to/with your child
• Create a print-rich environment (books, letters on the fridge)
• Show interest in what your child says even if it is difficult to understand e.g., good eye contact, nodding your head, try repeating what they are saying
• Repetition is important – children enjoy hearing the same stories and songs often. Introduce new books and songs in between periods of repetition.

If you feel your child is not reaching their milestones, contact Persian Speech Clinic.

Why are adequate language skills an important aspect for school success?

Language is an important component of learning at school. Vocabulary and language are tools for thinking and learning about the world. Successful communication is directly linked to success in reading, writing, and making decisions.