Common Medical Conditions That Can Affect Speech and Language in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, cleft lip or cleft palate, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are among the many conditions that can impact the speech and language development of children.

Every child is unique and depending on the medical condition causing the problem, so too will be the communication challenges each one experiences. One child with Autism may not communicate verbally, while another may verbalize fluently but struggle with appropriate social language skills such as asking and answering appropriate questions, staying on topic, specificity, verbal elaboration, or maintaining eye contact. A child with Down syndrome might have difficulty articulating specific sounds or sequencing multi-syllabic words, while a youngster with ADHD might lack the attention skills needed to stay on topic and take turns.

The impact of experiencing ongoing difficulties in effectively communicating thoughts and emotions can lead to frustration, social isolation, tantrums and even despair. It’s important to seek professional assistance if you see your child struggling with speech or language issues, or if you know they have a medical/developmental condition that is impacting his/her communication skills. A Speech-Language Pathologist can devise an intervention plan to improve or correct the problem.

S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks, has an entire team of highly skilled Speech-Language Pathologists who can assess and treat the communication difficulties associated with a broad range of underlying developmental delays and disorders. The goal is to establish an excellent rapport with every child, so they feel relaxed, supported, safe and encouraged as they practice new skills and work toward achievable goals.

The offices of S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks are located at 5195 Harvester Rd. Unit 4B. To make an appointment, call 905-637-5522 or visit them online at www.slhunter.ca.