General causes of speech and language disorders | Speech disorders

General causes of speech and language disorders

An exact cause is sometimes not known for the various speech disorders. Rather, a disorder is suspected to be caused by various influences on language development. Scientists call this a “multifactorial genesis”.

So which factors can have an influence on a language disorder? The following points should prepare parents in particular for an initial consultation with the pediatrician. Educators will first deal with these or similar questions and approaches to explanation:

• Genetic factorsA disorder is pre-programmed from the beginning.

  Is there a reduction in intelligence? Is there autism (pathological self-centeredness, inability to communicate)?

• Social factorsIs the language and speech of the parents wrong? Is language only perceived through the television?

  Is there a lot of quarrelling and language used in the family to fight?

• Cultural factorsAre there hardly any words spoken in the family? Is the child growing up bilingual? Have there been frequent changes of school and stays abroad?
• Psychological factorsDoes the child have any drive to speak at all?

  Are there any inhibitions to express themselves linguistically? Is the child stimulated to speak? Does the child have listeners?

• Sensory factorsDoes the child hear correctly?

  Is it interested in its environment? Are there reactions appropriate to the situation? Is there an autism?

• Motor and physiological factorsDo the facial muscles function, chewing, crying?

  Has tooth development been normal? Could brain damage be present? Are accidents or falls known?

How do I recognize a speech disorder in my child?

There are different forms of speech disorders, so they can express themselves very differently. Better recognizable are the so-called speech disorders, such as stammering, stammering or rumbling. With these forms you can recognize that the way of speaking is unusual and does not correspond to the language you are used to.

It is more difficult for parents to recognize when children start to speak and understand language too late. Although there are guidelines as to what children should be able to do at what age, it is difficult for a parent without professional support to recognize whether the child is just a little late in acquiring the ability to speak or whether there is a really manifest speech disorder. It is therefore advisable to take part in the routine examinations at the pediatrician, as this is also where abnormalities in language development can be detected. Learn more about this under: Speech disorder in children