Will my child outgrow her speech and language problems?

• Although some children do outgrow their problem, it is always best to be on the safe side and ask for a professional opinion.
• Neither you nor your child can afford to wait if there is a problem.

Should I wait until my child begins school to get help with a speech and language problem?

• No, in the case of speech and language problems, the earlier you get help the better.
• A child whose delay is identified early has a significantly better chance of developing skills that are necessary for success in school.
• If you are concerned about your child's speech and language, arrange for an assessment.

What causes speech and language problems?

• There is not always a known cause for a child's speech and/or language problem.
• Certain factors, if present, are known to be associated or linked with a speech/language delay (For example, recurrent ear infections, hearing impairment and family history). Many children with speech/language delay have no associated risk factors.

Is it common for the younger children in families not to talk?

• Birth order does not cause the delay - children with speech and/or language delays may be born first, second or fifth in a family.
• It is true that parents need to support a child's talking attempts in a family where brothers and sisters tend to talk for each other.

Does bilingualism or multilingualism delay language development?

• A child's first words generally appear around the same time, whether or not she is hearing more than one language.
• Exposure to more than one language will not cause a longstanding speech and/or language delay.