According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), most children speak 10–20 words until 18 months. If this does not, it may be a sign of delay in development. In this article, we will tell the 10 most common and scientifically certified causes of speech delay in children, knowing that parents can take appropriate steps on time.
🔬 Source: CDC - Developmental Milestones
What is Speech Delay?
Speech delay is a situation when the child is unable to develop the ability to speak or understand language according to his age. For example, if the child does not speak 10 words until the age of 18 months or by the age of 2, it can be a speech delay.
🔬 Source: CDC - Developmental Milestones
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbdddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Age Milestones and Early Signs
The infant starts learning the language gradually after birth. Generally, for 12 months, children speak words like "Mama" or "Papa" and make small sentences till the age of 2 years. If the child does not speak any word for 18 months or only at the age of 2, it may be the initial sign of a speech delay.
🔬 Source: CDC - Developmental Milestones
10 Most Common Causes of Speech Delay
1. Genetics
The genetic reasons behind the speech delay can play an important role. If there was a delay in speaking to someone in the parents or family, it can also happen in the child. Some genes are associated with language development of the brain, and the child's speaking speed may slow down when they change. This hereditary tendency is also found without any other mental disability.
🔬 Source: NIH - Speech and Language Development
2. Hearing Issues
If the child is unable to hear properly, he will not be able to learn to speak. Repeated infections in the ear, birth weakness or moderate hearing loss can cause speech delays. Apparent listening is very important for the language development of the child. Therefore, if the child does not react to calling the name, it is necessary to check his hearing ability.
🔬 Source: NiH - Hearing and Speech Development
3. Brain Injury, CF
Neurological disorders such as brain injury or cerebral palsy can cause speech delays in children. These conditions affect the part of the brain that controls language and speaking. Premature birth or lack of oxygen can also be the reason for this. Such children often need physical and speech therapy.
🔬 Source: CDC - Cerebral Palsy Data
4. Autism Spectrum
Delay in language and social communication is common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These children often do not add eyes to the eyes, do not react to calling the name or use repetitive words. Speech delays may be a major initial symptom of autism. Measures such as early diagnosis and ABA therapy prove to be quite effective.
🔬 Source: CDC - Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Lack of Verbal Interaction at Home
If the child does not get enough environment to speak and hear at home, then his language development may be affected. Talking with parents or carers, telling stories and responding is necessary for the child's speech development. Research has proved that in the initial years, positively versed interaction increases the language capacity of children rapidly.
🔬 Source: AAP - Early Literacy and Language Development
6. Bilingual Environment Confusion
When the child listens to two languages simultaneously - like Hindi at home and English in school - then early language development may be a bit delayed. Although it is not permanent, in the early years the child may take some time to recognize words and create a sentence. According to American Speech-Language-HERARING Association (Asha), bilingual children also develop general language skills if they get adequate and balanced language contacts.
🔬 Source: Asha - Bilingual Speech Development
7. Emotional Neglect or Trauma
When the child faces emotional neglect or severe trauma, his mental and physical development may be affected, including language and speaking abilities. Children require love, safety, and mental support so that they can safely speak and practice social communication. Research has also proved that stress and trauma can cause speech delays in the child.
🔬 Source: NIH - Impact of Emotional Trauma on Child Development
8. Developmental Delay
Developmental delay is called the condition when the child lags behind in physical, mental, and social development compared to other children. This condition can cause speech delays because the development of language is also affected when other physical and mental skills are not developed. Information and treatment about the time limit of mental and physical development in children can control speech delay.
🔬 Source: CDC - Developmental Disability
9. Premature Birth
The entire neurological development of premature children born prematurely may slow down, including the language and the ability to speak. Such infants require living and additional care in Nicu. Research suggests that it may take longer than normal to develop speech and language skills in premature children.
🔬 Source: AAP - Premature Birth and Developmental Delays
10. Nutritional Deficiency
Nutrients like Iron, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 are very important for brain development and neurological functioning. Their deficiency hinders neurotransmitters, which can affect the development of children's speaking and language learning. Research has found that the speech delay has been improved by fulfilling these nutrients.
🔬 Source:
*NIH - Iron and Brain Development
*Harvard Health-Omega-3S and Brain Health
*PUBMED - Vitamin B12 deficiency and neurological symptoms
Identification
It is very important to identify the speech delay in time. If the child does not speak words like "Mama" or "Papa" until the age of 12 months, does not say at least 6 words in 18 months, or does not speak two-word sentences in 2 years, then it can be a sign of a speech delay. Parents should monitor both the child's language and the ability to understand.
🔬 Source: CDC - Language Milestones
10 Effective Home Remedies
1. Almonds & Walnuts for Brain Boost
Almonds and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and neuro-appreciated compounds, which play an important role in children's brain development. Grind 4-5 soaked almonds and 1-2 walnuts daily in the morning and mix it with light warm milk, improves neurological function and strengthens the ability to learn the language of children.
🔬 Source: Harvard Health Publishing - Foods Linked To Better BrainPower
2. Cow Ghee & Milk for Nervous System
Cow's milk and desi ghee help to strengthen the brain veins of children. In the morning, 1 glass of lukewarm milk with 1 teaspoon of desi ghee, giving children regularly, has seen their concentration and improvement in their ability to understand. Fatty acids present in desi ghee support brain development and it is an effective home remedy for children with speech late.
🔬 Source: NCBI - Effect of Cow Ghee on Nervous System Functions
3. Sesame Oil Massage for Brain Stimulation
Sesame oil (sesame oil) is considered good for child growth in Ayurveda. Massaging the head and soles with sesame oil daily with light hands improves the blood circulation of the brain, which improves neuro-stimulation. This improves children's motivation and response-ability to speak.
🔬 Source: Ayurvedic Texts Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
4. Tulsi Leaves with Honey for Clarity & Voice
Tulsi leaves are anti-bacterial and keep the children's throats clean. Grind 4-5 fresh basil leaves and mix 1 teaspoon of pure honey in it and give children on an empty stomach in the morning improving the clarity of the voice and the power of speaking. This remedy is especially useful for children whose voice is heavy or unclear.
🔬 Source: NCBI - OCIMUM SANCTUM (TULSI) in Pediatric Care
5. Conch Sound Therapy for Auditory Stimulation
In the ancient Indian tradition, the conch sound is considered to awaken the mental and hearing power. Ringing the conch for 1-2 minutes every morning and evening, it activates the auditorial processing of their brain. This has seen the awareness of words in children and improvement in speech insurance.
🔬 Source: Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge – Sound Therapy and Child Development
6. Speech Games & Verbal Playtime
Every day, for at least 30 minutes, according to the child's age, he plays Verbal Games like "Who says what?" "Tell the name," or "Tell the story of pictures." His speech activity increases. The clearer and more regular the parents' conversation is, the sooner the child will start speaking.
🔬 Source: American Speech-Language-HEARING Association (Asha)
7. Triphala Powder for Digestion & Brain Calmness
Triphala is beneficial for the cleanliness of the body and mental balance from an Ayurvedic point of view. If the child has constipation or digestive problems, giving Triphala powder with lukewarm water at night improves sleep and brain stability. The calm brain helps in better language acquisition.
🔬 Source: Ayush - Triphala and Cognitive Health
8. Omega-3 Rich Diet for Language Development
Foods such as flax seeds, chia seeds, fish oil or walnuts are natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are extremely essential for neurological development and brain functions. Their consumption increases the memory of children and the ability to remember words, which helps in the onset of speaking.
🔬 Source: NCBI-Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Development
9. Music Therapy & Spiritual Songs
The music activates both parts of the brain. Lightening light tunes or hymns daily increases the ability to listen, identify, and repeat children. Many studies have found that the effect of music therapy is positive on speech-delayed children.
🔬 Source: Journal of Music Therapy - Effectiveness in Delayed Speech
10. Mirror Talk Exercise for Speech Clarity
It is an effective practice to make the child stand in front of the mirror and repeat the word. With this, he learns how to pronounce his tongue, lips, and facial antics. This therapy increases the self-awareness and clarity of speaking of children.
🔬 Source: Asha - Visual Cues in Speech Development
Parenting Tips
*Talk to baby at least 30 minutes daily
*Repeat what the child says and respond in detail
*Keep screen time less than 1 hour
*Allow play with other children
When to Consult Specialist
*Do not make any sound for 12 months
*Spoken only 1–2 words for 18 months
*Could not create a sentence of 2 words for 2 years
*Do not give any social response
📌 Refer to: Pediatrician, Audiological, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Conclusion
Speech delays can be a common problem, but correct identification and timely treatment can easily improve it. Parents have many effective home remedies, which can help in children's brain and linguistic development. If you adopt the measures mentioned above regularly, it can speed up your child's speech development. If the problem persists, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Improvement in children's language and communication skills requires continuous efforts and correct guidance.🔬 Sources: Harvard Health, Asha, NCBI
FAQ
Q 1. What are the common signs of speech delay in children?
Ans. The common signs of speech delay include limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty pronouncing words, trouble forming sentences, and not using gestures or eye contact to communicate. If a child isn’t able to follow simple instructions or express basic needs by the age of 2, it might be a sign of speech delay. Parents should monitor their child's speech development and consult a pediatrician if they notice any signs of delay.
Q 2. What causes speech delay in children?
Ans. Speech delay can occur due to various reasons such as hearing issues, brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and even environmental factors like lack of verbal interaction. Medical conditions, genetic disorders, and early trauma or neglect can also contribute to delayed speech development. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving speech development.
Q 3. Can speech delay be treated at home?
Ans. Yes, speech delay can be addressed with several home remedies like engaging in verbal play, playing speech games, using mirror exercises, and ensuring proper nutrition with omega-3-rich foods. However, it’s important to consult a speech therapist for personalized guidance and to rule out any underlying medical issues. Consistency in therapy and home-based activities can show positive results in speech development.
References
1. CDC – Developmental Milestones
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
2. NIH – Speech & Language Development
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
3. ASHA – Speech Development Chart
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/
4. WHO – Child Development Norms
https://www.who.int
5. American Academy of Pediatrics – Publications on Speech Delay
https://publications.aap.org/
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