Your little one might say “pasghetti” instead of “spaghetti” and still be wearing a bib, which could be a normal part of their development. However, if you have any concerns, it might be a good idea to consider screening for an oral-motor disorder.
Just like children need to build muscle strength and coordination to walk, they also need to develop the muscles in their mouths to eat, drink, and talk effectively. While many children experience speech delays as they grow, some mouth-related issues might indicate an oral-motor or motor-speech disorder. Here’s what you should know about these developmental delays in kids:
What are Oral-Motor Disorders?
A child with an oral-motor disorder struggles to control the muscles in their lips, tongue, and jaw, making it difficult to master mouth skills such as talking, eating, and sipping from a straw. These disorders can be physical, but they can also involve speech-motor issues with a neurological aspect. Two common types are:
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): Also known as dyspraxia of speech, this condition makes it challenging for children to coordinate their mouth movements to articulate words.
- Articulation Disorders: These include difficulties such as lisping, omitting consonants, or substituting sounds.
Signs of Oral-Motor and Speech-Motor Disorders
Children with these disorders may exhibit various signs, including:
- A “long” or droopy face, often with a mouth that hangs open.
- Refusal to eat foods that require chewing.
- Frequent gagging when eating, not just with disliked foods.
- Lower weight and height compared to peers.
- Difficulty sticking out their tongue or moving it side to side.
- Hard-to-understand speech.
- Drooling past the typical age.
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In summary, while it’s common for toddlers to have speech slips and delays, persistent issues may warrant further investigation. If you notice signs of oral-motor or speech-motor disorders, seeking guidance and support can make a difference in your child’s development.