It is important to mention that baby speech regression is not a permanent but a temporary problem in a child’s language development.
For parents, it is the most important thing that the baby, when reach the age where to communicate using words, must speak properly. So, they eagerly await this milestone. But, baby speech regression puts parents in trouble.
Watching a baby learn to speak properly, without any trouble in speaking, is one of the most thrilling aspect of early parenthood.
But, it will be painful to see a child who was progressing in his/her language skills proficiently and then suddenly appears to lose this ability.
This process is called as baby speech regression and alarming and confusing for new parents. In this blog post, we will provide insight about, what is baby speech regression, why it happens, and what steps you can take to support your child during this challenging time.
Understanding Baby Speech Regression in Scientific Terms
Baby speech regression is defined as loss of previously acquired speech or language skills. Scientifically, it may be due to several factors.
Changes which affect normal brain’s development, environmental stressors, or any existing medical conditions are the most accurate scientific causes of the problem.
In the early years, it is seen that a child’s brain is developing rapidly and neural pathways are being formed when he/she learn to communicate.
But, sometimes such pathways are interrupted or altered, causing a temporary regression in a baby speech abilities.
Parents must confuse speech regression with a delay in speech development. However, both are totally different. As, regression is a loss in child’s previously acquired language skills.
At Which Age It Is Mostly Observed
Speech regression in a child is mostly observed in between 15 and 24 months of age. As during this interval, period, a child is expanding his vocabulary and beginning to form short sentences.
However, the most painful act which loses a child’s confidence, is his/her ability to reproduce the exact words as spoken by others. So, a child begins to lose words they communicate verbally. This is called as speech regression.
Speech regression can occur at any age but, mostly, happens particularly during a period of language development.
Under this condition, parents suddenly notice that their once talkative toddler suddenly becomes quieter or hesitate to speak.
Speech Regression vs Autism
One of the biggest problem for parents who observe speech regression, is that they assume it to be a sign of autism.
Although, speech regression happens in children suffering from autism but, it is not exclusively related to this condition.
In autism, a child must show other signs like loss of social skills, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties with sensory processing.
However, must remember that speech regression occurs in isolation and child continues to engage socially and emotionally. So, it is a clear sign that a child is not suffering with Autism.
However, It is necessary to consult a pediatrician for confirmation based on the symptoms you noticed.
Possible Causes of Speech Regression
Speech regression has many possible causes, and it may happen that none of the causes can be determined with certainty. Here are some of the possible causes:
- Environmental Stress: There is tendency to lose speech development due to environmental change including birth of new sibling, changing house or even going to a hotel for few days and getting new babysitters.
- Medical Conditions: Some kids would also develop certain health complications such as hearing impairment or ear infections that impact the child’s ability to learn language, therefore there is likely to be regression.
- Neurological Factors: It can delay or affect any change in the development of this organ and have consequences on the use of language, sometimes only for a period.
- Emotional or Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety or trauma can also cause regression because a child will not know how to handle certain feelings.
Each child is unique, and what causes regression in one child may not affect another the same way.
Not All Children Experience Speech Regression
Great numbers of children do not experience speech regression, though the beginning stages of language development can be a simple process.
This means that while some kids will reach the process of developing the children’s vocabulary and the further development of communication skills by interference, other children will one day cease using words or the type of speech they have already learned.
The cause of variation in these two types of temperament may also vary in the reasons due to individual temperaments, stressors and symptoms of illness of the child.
Hence, parents should always be bearing in mind that every child is different and may develop at a different rate, and that when they see their child go through speech regression, it may not necessarily be something permanent. (Also Read, How to establish a bedtime routine for your baby.)
Can Pregnancy Practices Prevent Speech Regression?
It is impossible to stop speech regression for sure, but the following actions will help to prevent it; a healthy diet during pregnancy may also help to minimize the risk.
This involves taking proper meals with the essential nutrients like folic acid, the prohibition of substances like alcohol and tobacco and the proper handling of stress.
You should also follow the advice from your doctor and have a prenatal care that will also help in the neurological development of your baby.
While such practices may still help with better brain development, it should be pointed out that, in the event of such occurrences, speech regression, if experienced, cannot always be prevented, and it is usually not a single cause issue.
How to Boost Confidence in Children Affected by Speech Regression
Practicing and reinforcing speech in a child who is very timid due to speech regression brings encouragement and reward.
Reward their attempts to speak when they try to do so, even if they do not say it properly. Provide a favorable ambiance of working for your child in a way that he or she is comfortable and not forced to do something without becoming frustrated or stressed.
Participate in activities which makes speaking enjoyable and not stressful, such as telling stories and singing.
Also, find time to encourage them more often and try to compliment the effort they are putting forward rather than the problems that they are experiencing.
How to Know My Child Has Speech Regression
Identifying if your child has speech regression depends on how keen you are when observing your child’s language and communication patterns. Signs of speech regression may include:
- Stop using Words — The child may stop using words he or she has used often.
- Reduced Verbal Interaction: More quiet or does not response to their name.
- Withdrawal: The kid might be more withdrawn or less inclined to socialize.
- Changes in Play: Your child could begin playing differently or be uninterested in things that brought them enjoyment before
If you notice these signs, it’s important to keep a record of your observations and discuss them with your child’s healthcare provider.
How Long Speech Regression Lasts
The length of time a speech regression episode lasts can largely depend on the reason behind it. It may be a short spell of only weeks or months in some cases if it is related to an acute stressor or mild medical condition.
For some, especially when it comes to developmental conditions like autism which are often intertwined with speech regression, the period of time during which a person experiences such an event may lengthen and require more intensive interventions.
It is important that parents intervene early and get support in place as soon as the regression occurs, to prevent it continuing on for any length of time.
Exercises to Overcome Speech Regression
Engaging your child in specific exercises can help encourage the return of lost speech skills. Some helpful activities include:
- Interactive Reading: Daily reading from a book will make the process easier, use your pointing finger to indicate images and question later on in the story.
- Sing Songs and Rhymes: Singing familiar songs and nursery rhymes will get your little one using language in a fun, less stressful way.
- Play, play and still more playing: Use language during playtime to describe what is happening in their world including actions, objects that they recognize as being important or meaningful to them or by imitating sounds /words.
- Encourage Social Interaction: Set up play dates with other children or group activities, as playing can lead to an increase in language use when interacting with peers and siblings.
- Pictures cards or visual cues: Helps your child to see and use words
Consistency is key and try to include these activities in your daily routine to help your child regain their language skills.
Treatment
Treatment for baby speech regression depends on underlying cause. If a medical issue is causing the regression, like hearing loss or ear infections, treatment will recollect your child’s speech.
Early intervention therapies, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, are crucial for children with developmental disorders like autism.
Speech therapists will work with your child to help them rebuild their language abilities, most often through targeted exercises and techniques.
Moreover, creating a home free from stress and conducive can make an enormous difference in boosting the confidence of your child to strive their communication skills again.
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