One of the most heartwarming moments for parents is hearing their child speak for the first time. Some families even make bets on what the first word will be.
However, when a child’s speech seems delayed, that joy can quickly turn into concern.
In recent years, speech delays have become more noticeable.
A survey in the US shows that 5-10% of preschool-aged children experience speech delays.
While Bangladesh lacks a comprehensive survey, experts suggest that urban parents are increasingly dealing with this issue.
A common scenario
Jahid (pseudonym), a two-year-old boy, spent his days watching TV, playing on his parents’ cell phones, and mostly playing alone.
Despite growing up in a joint family, where it was assumed he would interact with many people, Jahid is often left to himself.
His family’s attention is mostly on his older sister, Jerin, who is seen as more playful.
Approaching his third birthday in January, Jahid was yet to speak a single word.
His parents had hoped he would follow his sister, who began speaking at 18 months, but their wait has been in vain.
Until July, the family did not even seek medical advice, as relatives reassured them that some children simply take longer to talk.
Jahid’s parents eventually took him to the Institute for Paediatric Neurodisorder and Autism (IPNA) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
After an assessment, the doctor recommended a special school to support his development.
However, with the school costing Tk600 per day, attending 3-4 days a week has put financial strain on the family.
Overcoming speech delay
Across town, Asif’s parents also faced similar concerns. By age two, Asif hadn’t begun speaking, although his cousin of the same age had. His family didn’t initially recognize the issue since Asif was their first child.
Child development expert Redwa E Zannat, a family member, noticed Asif’s behavior and urged the parents to seek a diagnosis. They took him to the Child Development Center at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, where a diagnosis revealed the need for speech therapy.
Now six years old, Asif is thriving in school and communicates like other children his age. His improvement came after his parents made significant lifestyle changes. Both working full-time, they had previously left Asif with his grandparents, who allowed him to spend most of the day in front of a TV or with a smartphone.
Following the diagnosis, Asif’s screen time was reduced, and his parents and family members began engaging with him more. Although therapy sessions were recommended, Asif struggled to cooperate. However, the family’s increased attention, especially after his younger sister started playing with him, helped him gradually improve.
Causes and possible solutions
A study by the University of Washington indicates that a heavy intake of noneducational television can delay a child's language development. Additionally, research by Sheikh Azimul Hoque and Kanij Fatema, published in the Bangladesh Journal of Child Health, highlights the impact of digital media on speech and language.
Their findings emphasize that early exposure to devices plays a critical role in language delays.
Frequent use of digital media interrupts children's playtime with peers and hinders creative play, affecting their problem-solving abilities and creative expression.
Another study found that children under the age of two who are exposed to smart devices are at a higher risk of language delays compared to those over two.
Beyond screen time, there are other causes for speech delays, such as neurological challenges or abnormalities in hearing, the tongue, vocal cords, or related muscles.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, infants should not have any screen time before their first birthday, and screen time should be limited to less than 60 minutes per day for children under the age of four.
The increasing social causes of speech delay are linked to the shift toward smaller family units. However, while nuclear families may contribute to speech delays, experts believe that sufficient interaction and bonding with parents can help overcome these challenges.
Zannat advises that "working parents can still spend quality time with their children after work." She further notes, "Consistent attention, maintaining a proper diet, and engaging in therapies can address these issues. Additionally, regular checkups of affected children can help parents track their development."
Early intervention is key
Early intervention is critical in addressing speech delays. However, recognizing the signs can be challenging, as there are no physical indicators. Zannat stresses the importance of frequent communication with children to identify any potential delays.
According to Prof Dr Md Abid Hossain Mollah, head of Pediatrics at Birdem General Hospital, children should say two or three words besides “mama” and “dada” by the time they are 12 months old. By 15-18 months, they should have a vocabulary of 12-15 words, and after 18 months, they should start combining words.
Dr Wasima Akter, a physician at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, advises parents to be aware of these developmental milestones. If there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s communication skills.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasize the importance of early action, noting that children who receive support before the age of three show notable improvements in speech and communication.
