Is Your Child’s Speech Delayed? Here’s Which Doctor to Consult in Kollam
As a parent, you eagerly wait for your child’s first words. But what if those words are taking longer than you expected? Watching other children chatter away while yours is still quiet can be worrying. Speech delay is a common concern, and the most important thing to know is that early intervention is the key to success.
The first step is often the most confusing: who should you see? A pediatrician? A specialist? Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process and find the right support for your child.
Step 1: Start with Your Pediatrician 🧑⚕️
Your child’s pediatrician is your first and most important point of contact. They have been tracking your child’s growth and development from day one.
What will the pediatrician do?
- Developmental Screening: They will assess your child’s overall development, not just speech, to see if they are meeting age-appropriate milestones.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will check for any physical issues that might be affecting speech.
- Hearing Check: A basic hearing screening will be done to rule out one of the most common causes of speech delay.
Based on this initial assessment, your pediatrician can determine if your concern is valid and will refer you to the right specialist for a more in-depth evaluation.
Step 2: The Specialists Who Can Help 🧠👂🗣️
If your pediatrician recommends further evaluation, you will likely be referred to one or more of the following specialists.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
An SLP, often called a Speech Therapist, is the primary expert in treating speech and language disorders. This is the specialist who will work directly with your child to improve their communication skills.
- What they do: An SLP will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child’s ability to understand language and express themselves. They will identify the specific nature of the delay and create a personalized therapy plan with fun, play-based activities to encourage speech.
- When to see them: You can consult an SLP directly if you have concerns, or you can get a referral from your pediatrician. At Hear and Speak Kollam, our certified SLPs are the core of our team.
Audiologist
Hearing is fundamental to learning to speak. If a child cannot hear sounds clearly, they cannot learn to imitate them. An Audiologist is a specialist who diagnoses hearing and balance problems.
- What they do: An Audiologist will perform detailed hearing tests (like an audiogram or OAE test) to check for any degree of hearing loss, which might not be obvious to parents.
- When to see them: If there is any suspicion of hearing issues, a history of ear infections, or if your child doesn’t respond to sounds consistently.
ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist)
An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist deals with the physical structures involved in hearing and speaking.
- What they do: The ENT will check for physical problems like chronic fluid in the ears (“glue ear”), issues with the tonsils or adenoids, or a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), all of which can affect hearing and speech production.
- When to see them: Your pediatrician will likely refer you to an ENT if they suspect a physical or structural issue after their initial examination.
Developmental Pediatrician
This is a pediatrician who has specialized training in childhood development and behavioral issues.
- What they do: They look at the “big picture” of your child’s development to see if the speech delay is an isolated issue or part of a larger condition like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a global developmental delay.
- When to see them: If there are concerns about multiple areas of your child’s development, not just speech (e.g., social skills, motor skills, or behavior).
Your Path Forward at Hear and Speak Kollam
We understand that this journey can feel overwhelming. At Hear and Speak Kollam, we provide a comprehensive, team-based approach. Our expert Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists work together under one roof to give your child the complete care they need.
- Consultation: We start by listening to your concerns.
- Assessment: Our specialists will conduct thorough audiological and speech-language evaluations.
- Therapy: We create a tailored, evidence-based therapy plan to help your child find their voice.
Don’t wait and worry. If your parental instincts are telling you something is not right, it’s always best to get it checked. Taking action today can make a world of difference for your child’s future.
Are you concerned about your child’s speech? Contact Hear and Speak Kollam today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We are here to help!