Comprehensive Evaluation Required for Speech Delay in Children
Pediatric neurology specialists emphasize that speech delays should not be addressed solely by word count, but as a whole with communication and social development.
Prof. Dr. Dilara Füsun İçağasıoğlu, Pediatric Neurology Specialist at Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital, stated that speech and language development in children should not be evaluated solely by the number of words, but that communication and social development must be addressed together.
Speech Development and Social Communication
Although language and speech development in children can progress at different paces, delays can sometimes point to more than just a benign condition. Situations such as avoiding eye contact, not responding to sounds, and communicating desires only through gestures should be closely evaluated.
Expert Opinions and Symptoms
Prof. Dr. Dilara Füsun İçağasıoğlu conveyed that speech is not just about uttering words, and that a child's desire to socialize, gestures, facial expressions, and motor skills must be considered together. It is important for families to seek expert support without delay.
Factors Supporting Language Development
It is stated that children achieve speech and language development by playing games, communicating, and being together with their peers. While reading books and spending quality time together support language development, screen exposure needs to be limited.
Developmental Expectations by Age Groups
While eye contact and meaningful smiling are expected in the first months, children around 1 year of age should speak 1-2 meaningful words, and around 2 years of age, the number of words should increase to form two-word sentences.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
While it is stated that every child's developmental pace can be different and late talking does not always indicate a serious problem, it is emphasized that early diagnosis increases treatment success.