Speech & Language Delays By Leatra M. Hicks

What is speech and language Speech is the verbal means of communicating with others How speech sound are made The use of vocal folds and breathing to produce the sounds The rhythms of speech connected in speech Language is socially shared rules How to make new words How to put words together What word combinations are best in what situations

Acquisition of Speech Sounds: 3 years: /p/, /m/, /h/, /n/, /w/ 4 years: /b/, /k/, /y/, /f/, /g/, /d/ 6 years: /t/, /r/, /l/, /ng/ 7 years: /l/, /ch/, /sh/, /j/, /th/ 8 years: /v/, /s/, /z/

Different types of speech delays Oral-motor Hearing Slow development Selective mutism Autism Apraxia Ear infections

Who can help with Speech and language delays Each delay will have different components for the type of support needed A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will always be involved if there is a diagnosed speech delay. Speech and language therapy can help facilitate instruction in all other domains. Working as a team is important to develop the speech domain as well as all other domains

Food For Thought… Parents are key role models Classroom teachers we can assist in carrying over speech and language goals by doing the following: Model good speech & language skills Have knowledge of the student’s IEP goals & objectives Ask for help Involve the parent with carryover & ideas for encouraging speech in the home Have open dialogue with the SLP and parent Be open-minded & flexible!!!

Thank you for your time. Leatra Hicks December 12, 2007