Speech delay in toddlers: Are they only “late talkers”?

Abstract

Speech delay is prevalent in toddlers. Although some children with speechdelay are able to catch up with their peers with time, the delay mightbe part of a broader condition such as global developmental delay, whichrequires specific diagnostic work-up. The current study aimed to present thedemographic features, developmental profiles of the first 100 preschool-agedchildren who were seen at Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children’sHospital-Developmental Pediatrics Unit with parental concern of speechdelay. Moreover, risk factors associated with speech delay, possible diagnosisand intervention strategies are documented. Thirty-one of 100 children werediagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and global developmentaldelay (GDD). The current study presented that 4 out of 5 toddlers exceededthe recommended TV watching time. Moreover, almost one third of childrenhad a poor linguistic home environment. Three parents whose children werediagnosed with ASD or GDD, refused to be reported as ‘autism spectrumdisorder’ or ‘intellectual disability’ with the anxiety of labeling their child.As a result, these children were unable to receive special education paid forby the government. This study presented 31 of 100 children needed furtherdiagnostic work up and early intervention. Therefore, pediatricians shouldnot underestimate speech delay. On the other hand, due to the fact that,the regulations to receive special education and therapy often create anxietyfor the parents, we think that this system needs to be updated and specialeducation support should be determined by the special needs of each child.