Speech & Language Impairments in Children | Cadabams CDC
Watching your child struggle to express themselves can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been Googling “speech and language impairments in children,” you’re not alone. At Cadabams CDC, we turn confusion into clarity and delays into milestones. This guide walks you through everything parents need to know—from spotting the first red flag to celebrating the first full sentence.
Overview of Speech & Language Impairments in Children
What Are Speech and Language Disorders?
- Speech disorders affect how sounds are formed (articulation, fluency, voice).
- Language disorders affect understanding or using words, sentences, and conversations (receptive or expressive).
How Common Are Childhood Speech Impairments?
- 1 in 12 children in India shows signs of a communication disorder.
- Early therapy can reduce long-term academic and social difficulties by up to 70%.
Impact on Learning & Social Skills
- Trouble following classroom instructions.
- Difficulty making friends or joining group play.
- Lower self-esteem as children realize they “speak differently.”
Types of Speech & Language Disorders We Treat
Speech Sound Disorders (Articulation & Phonology)
- Substituting “wabbit” for “rabbit.”
- Leaving off final consonants (“ca” for “cat”).
Language Disorders (Expressive & Receptive)
- Expressive: Limited vocabulary, short sentences.
- Receptive: Difficulty following directions or answering questions.
Fluency Disorders (Stuttering & Cluttering)
- Repetitions (“I-I-I want milk”).
- Rapid, jumbled speech that’s hard to understand.
Voice & Resonance Disorders
- Hoarse, breathy, or nasal voice quality.
- May be linked to cleft palate or vocal nodules.
Social Communication Disorders
- Trouble taking turns in conversation.
- Difficulty understanding jokes or sarcasm.
Signs & Early Indicators Parents Should Watch
Red Flags by Age
| Age | Speech Red Flags | Language Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| 12 m | No babbling or gestures | Doesn’t respond to name |
| 18 m | Fewer than 10 words | Doesn’t point to objects |
| 2 y | Less than 50 words | Can’t follow two-step directions |
| 3 y | Unfamiliar people understand < 50% of speech | Struggles to ask questions |
Speech vs. Language Red Flags—Know the Difference
- Speech: Child knows what to say but can’t pronounce it.
- Language: Child pronounces clearly but can’t find the right words.
When to Book a Screening
If you notice any red flag lasting more than 4–6 weeks, schedule a no-obligation screening at Cadabams CDC.
Causes & Risk Factors
Neurological & Developmental Causes
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Cerebral palsy or developmental delay.
Hearing Loss & Chronic Ear Infections
- Even mild, untreated hearing loss can delay speech milestones.
Genetic & Family History Factors
- Family history of speech-language disorders increases risk by 40%.
Environmental & Social Risk Factors
- Limited parent-child interaction.
- Excessive screen time (> 2 hrs/day under age 5).
Our Assessment Process
Multidisciplinary Evaluation
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Formal tests for speech, language, and social communication.
- Child Psychologist: Screens for attention, cognition, and emotional regulation.
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Specialist: Rules out hearing issues.
Standardised Tests & Parent Interview
- Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale (REELS).
- Detailed parent questionnaire on birth history, milestones, and daily routines.
Report Timeline & Next Steps
- Preliminary feedback in 24 hours.
- Full report with therapy goals within 5 working days.
Treatment & Therapy Programs
Individual Speech Therapy
- 45-minute, one-on-one sessions twice a week.
- Targets articulation, fluency, or voice goals.
Group Language Classes
- 4–6 kids per group, led by an SLP.
- Builds narrative skills and peer interaction.
Parent-Mediated Coaching
- Weekly 15-minute coaching videos via app.
- Homework cards to practice at home.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Picture boards, symbol apps, or speech-generating devices.
- Introduced when speech alone isn’t enough.
School Readiness & Social Skills Groups
- Role-playing classroom routines.
- Teaching turn-taking, question-asking, and conflict resolution.
Technology & Techniques We Use
Play-Based & Evidence-Based Approaches
- Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk.”
- PROMPT for motor speech disorders.
Tablet Apps & Speech Generating Devices
- AAC Apps: Avaz, Jellow.
- Articulation Games: Articulation Station.
Progress Tracking Dashboard for Parents
- Real-time graphs showing new sounds mastered.
- Weekly push notifications with tips and achievements.
Meet Our Speech-Language Pathologists
Credentials & Experience Overview
- Minimum 5 years pediatric experience.
- Certified by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Child-Friendly Therapy Rooms
- Sensory corners, toy libraries, and themed décor.
- Quiet rooms for voice therapy.
1:4 Therapist-to-Child Ratio Guarantee
- Ensures personalized attention in every session.
Success Stories
Case Study: 3-Year-Old With Phonological Disorder
- Challenge: Only 20 intelligible words, severe final-consonant deletion.
- Intervention: 12 weeks of play-based articulation therapy.
- Outcome: 90% intelligible speech and age-appropriate sound inventory.
Case Study: 6-Year-Old With Expressive Language Delay
- Challenge: Could label items but couldn’t form 4-word sentences.
- Intervention: Parent-mediated coaching + group language classes.
- Outcome: Narrated a 10-sentence story within 6 months.