5 Most Common Speech Disorders that Go Unnoticed

Children are born eager to learn a language. However, sometimes they may struggle to pass a milestone in their speech development process. There are several reasons why this can occur. Here are five of the most common speech disorders that go unnoticed.

1. Apraxia of Speech (AOS)

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) is difficult to detect because it is not directly associated with brain damage. The common link found in those children diagnosed with AOS is that it is common among close relatives. This suggests a genetic connection. Symptoms include word mispronunciation and uneven rhythm, emphasis, or tone.

2. Stuttering

Stuttering can be mistaken for cluttering. The latter is when a child speaks too fast or uses filler words such as “like,” “um,” often. Stuttering is the repeating of a word or part of a word. Other signs of stuttering may go unnoticed. For example, non-verbal clues such as tics and excessive blinking are also in the stuttering category.

3. Alalia (Speech Delay)

Speech delay also referred to as “alalia,” is distinguished as a child not attempting to speak. It may be due to brain damage or that a child might develop speaking later, and thereby, outgrow the disorder. A proper diagnosis from a speech-language pathologist in Willow Grove can rule out hearing problems, a cleft palate, and damage to the connections of the nerves and muscles to the brain.

4. Autism

Autism and other speech issues are often paired together. AOS, word inflection irregularities, muteness, and repeating another person’s speech pattern involuntarily are associated with autism. Even so, that does not mean that all children with those symptoms have autism.

5. Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is when a child can speak, but will not do so most of the time. Therefore, the child will select certain situations when they will speak. A child may speak at home only, for instance. Other reasons for a child not speaking are anxiety disorders or being socially withdrawn. It is important to eliminate shyness, stuttering, AOS, and other disorders.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment Results in the Best Outcomes

A professional team of experienced child speech therapists can access your child’s speech patterns. To schedule voice therapy at Willow Grove, call Speech Success Academy at 267-818-4200 or send a quick message to set up a session. We have flexible times available that are most convenient for you and your child!