Recent statistics state that approximately 10% of children are diagnosed with delayed psycho-speech development, and this figure has recently increased several times. This condition is not an independent disease. It is a consequence of an organic lesion of the central nervous system and the brain, which manifests itself in delayed emotional, intellectual, and speech development.
Such a neurological problem can be corrected if help is sought in time. The greatest effectiveness of treatment is observed in the period of 2-5 years.
Symptoms and signs
Mental and speech delays in children are characterized by decreased ability to think logically, problems with pronunciation of sounds, reduced vocabulary. Attention and memory problems are present, making it difficult to perceive and analyze information.
It is possible to notice the first signs of PDD in a child as early as 4 months of age. The following symptoms should alert parents:
• at 4 months, there is no humming, no reaction to sounds or gestures;
• At 8-9 months, the baby is not babbling;
• Hearing disorders (hearing loss, deafness);
• Before the age of one and a half, there are no simple words in the vocabulary, no reaction to speech addressed to the child;
• At the age of 2, the baby speaks in separate words and does not use simple phrases;
• too fast or slow speech at age 3;
• at an older age - problems with pronunciation, the construction of extended phrases and sentences;
• difficulties in communicating with peers;
• slowed thinking, reduced attention span and memory;
• Limiting the emotional spectrum.
Often these symptoms are indicative of IBS, so it is important not to ignore them and make an appointment with a doctor right away.
