Speech Therapist Reveals Key Causes Behind Speech Delays in Children
From too much screen time to undiagnosed conditions—here’s what’s holding your child’s words back.
- Developmental conditions like autism and Down syndrome can cause speech delays
- Children under 2 should avoid screen time
- Creating a language-rich environment and social interaction helps prevent delays
Speech and Language Therapist, Godwin Tettevi, has shed light on the common causes of speech delays in children after birth.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Mr. Tettevi explained that several developmental conditions can contribute to delayed speech in young children. These include autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and attention deficit disorders.
“There are assessments available to help determine the specific cause of a child’s speech delay,” he noted.
Clarifying the distinction between speech and language, Mr. Tettevi explained, “Language exists in the mind, while speech is the outward expression. If the language development is poor, speech will naturally be affected.”
Citing guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), he mentioned that children should begin saying simple words by around 12 months of age.
Mr. Tettevi also highlighted the critical role of early brain development and warned against screen exposure for children under two years.
“From birth to age two, the brain is rapidly developing, and screen time can interfere with that process,” he said.
He encouraged parents to co-watch screens with children after the age of two, explaining that interaction helps with understanding and language development.
To foster healthy communication skills, Mr. Tettevi urged parents to create a language-rich environment at home and allow their children to interact and play with peers. This, he emphasized, is key to preventing speech delays and encouraging early language use.
