JAKARTA - Based on data from the University of Michigan Health System, speech delay occurs in 5 to 10 percent of preschoolers. Speech delay is a condition in which a child has not been able to pronounce a certain amount of vocabulary at a certain age that he should have been able to. At this age they are also not able to understand what other people are saying.

Children who experience speech delay are at the stage of not being able to communicate like other children their age. Unfortunately, speech delay is often too late to be recognized by parents.

The following are signs of a child experiencing speech delay according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reported Monday, November 22, namely;

Searching for Sound Source

At the age of one year, the majority of children generally turn their heads when they hear a sound. They will try to find the source of the sound.

Meanwhile, children with speech delay will seem indifferent to sound. In fact, they are rarely surprised by the sound of thunder, a door opening, or the clatter of shoes. Parents may think that their child is the calm type when they don't respond to sounds. However, these symptoms should be watched out for.

Never Saying Something Meaningful

Generally, at the age of 12 months, a child begins to say one meaningful syllable, such as "pa" to refer to Papa, "nen" to mean asking for milk, or "mam" to ask for food. Children who experience speech delay have not been able to say something meaningful to convey their meaning.

Showing No Reaction

Children who experience speech delay tend not to react to other people, such as not smiling when they see their close family. He doesn't even cry when his parents leave him.

Not Responding When Called

Babies aged 4 months and over generally understand their names and respond when called, such as turning their heads or smiling. If he doesn't respond when he's called at the age of 1, you should also be wary.

His Vocabulary Doesn't Increase

Once toddlers try to use words, they will generally see a steady development in the use of their vocabulary. Children who experience speech delay, generally have a vocabulary that seems stagnant for more than a few months.


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