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What Causes Delayed Speech In Children?

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Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014
Question: My three year old grandson has been referred for testing because his speech seems somewhat delayed. He has the vocabulary appropriate for his age, but his doctor said he talks too much gibberish. The initial developmental educators who examined him said he has developmental delay in expressive speech. Unlike the doctor they did not see a problem with his not riding a tricycle yet as he climbs, jumps, and runs, etc. just fine. His fine motor skills are delayed, they said, from his scribbling with crayons. He has an appt. with a Developmental Pediatrician mid summer. I am very worried. I didn't notice any problems with him and thought he was very smart. His pre school didn't notice any issue. He does play by himself a lot but he likes it when other kids come over to play with him. I hate it that it takes so long to get an appt. My daughter and her husband are very proactive and will give him all the help he needs. I just am having trouble waiting to learn if he has an autistic spectrum disorder. I am driving myself a little crazy with worry, and would like to know how I can be supportive, get your opinion if you feel you can offer one on this limited information, how I might keep from feeling so helpless and upset.
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Answered by Dr. Arun (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Do not worry Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to health care magic. Your grandson is jumping and running and active . Though he likes to be alone but he does play with other kids around him. I don't think there is any autistic spectrum disorder in this. Expressive speech may be delayed due to a number of reasons. Few include adenoids, mild hearing issue, more use of media devices , etc. If your school teachers didn't find any abnormality , I doudt if there is anything serious. Don't worry . Some kids do get the fine skills and expressive speech a little later than their peer groups . What I would suggest to wait patiently for your appointment . Until then , 1) Try avoiding electronic media like mobiles , ipads etc. Replace them with books and toys. 2) Someone should be available to talk to him constantly , keep telling him stories and rhymes and asking him to repeat. 3) good music is known to stimulate brain very well and helps definitely. 4) Have his ears and nose have been checked if not already. Wishing your grandson great health Regards Dr Arun
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1960 Questions

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What Causes Delayed Speech In Children?

Brief Answer: Do not worry Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to health care magic. Your grandson is jumping and running and active . Though he likes to be alone but he does play with other kids around him. I don't think there is any autistic spectrum disorder in this. Expressive speech may be delayed due to a number of reasons. Few include adenoids, mild hearing issue, more use of media devices , etc. If your school teachers didn't find any abnormality , I doudt if there is anything serious. Don't worry . Some kids do get the fine skills and expressive speech a little later than their peer groups . What I would suggest to wait patiently for your appointment . Until then , 1) Try avoiding electronic media like mobiles , ipads etc. Replace them with books and toys. 2) Someone should be available to talk to him constantly , keep telling him stories and rhymes and asking him to repeat. 3) good music is known to stimulate brain very well and helps definitely. 4) Have his ears and nose have been checked if not already. Wishing your grandson great health Regards Dr Arun