By the time a child starts school at about age four, it is expected that she has both expressive and receptive language skills with possible difficulties articulating some sounds or words. However, before this age, a number of factors have to be in place before the child can become fairly adept at communicating. These factors include healthy environments, both before and after the child was born, stimulating environments and above all, a caring adult who was interested in interacting with the child in positive ways.
For adopted kids, these factors may not have been in place for optimal language development but once in the adoptive home much can be done to assist a child with speech-language issues. If speech is looked at as one piece of an adopted child’s developmental puzzle, parents can better address the child’s needs if they understand the reasons for speech issues, how they manifest and also strategies to help the child’s overall language skills at home.
Reasons for Speech Delays in Adopted Children
It is well-documented by social service organizations throughout North America that speech and language delays, along with behavioural difficulties, are the two most common developmental problems experienced by children entering the foster care system ( HowKidsDevelop.com).
According to the Children’s Home Society and Family Services, 10% of all preschool children have speech difficulties but this number rises to 50% for children who have been in foster care or institutionalized in orphanages (Martin, Comeunity.com). Other factors putting children at risk for speech-language issues are:
- prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol
- victim or witness of traumatic experiences
- poor physical and cognitive health
- developmental delays
- hearing problems
- family history of speech problems
With early assessment and intervention most speech issues can be corrected. For many adopted children, language skills improve with little or no intervention once they are in a stable and stimulating home environment.
Common Language Issues for Adopted Children
One of the first things adoptive parents look for in their child around language development is whether the child has any words and if so, are they easy to understand. Some children choose not to speak (elective mutism) whereas others may be late-bloomers. For children who do speak, but are not easily understood, some common communication difficulties are:
- articulation
- correct use of tongue, lips and jaw for making certain sounds
- stuttering
- lisping
- breathiness
- inconsistent pitch and volume
The above list gives adoptive parents a good place to start when assessing a child’s language skills, but receptive language (understanding) or expressive language (incorrect words and limited vocabulary) can also be issues.
If a speech problem is suspected with an adopted child of any age, they should have a formal assessment completed by a Speech Language Pathologist. As is the case whenever working with a health professional, it is important to fully disclose the child’s prenatal history if details are known.
Speech-Language Activities for Adoptive Families
In addition to seeking the support of a speech-language professional, adoptive parents can begin supporting the child’s language skills at home by creating activities and conversations around the child’s interests, including reading age-appropriate books together. It is also important to provide lots of opportunities for positive communication, both verbal and non-verbal, which also helps to foster attachment.
When having conversations with the child, SpeechDelay.com recommends parents refrain from question and answer models and use parent-initiated elaboration of what is being experienced instead. For example, rather than asking the child, “What colour is the shoe?” adoptive parents can elaborate by commenting, “I see you are putting on your red shoe. I wonder what else is red?”
When speech is especially difficult, adoptive parents should try to observe other cues such as tone, facial expression and body language to understand the child and to limit frustration for both parents and the child. Most importantly, adoptive parents need to learn to be patient with the child and not rush her when speaking.
It is normal for every child to experience some challenges in speech, however for children who join their families through adoption, other factors may delay language development. As language can be an indicator of other possible issues, adoptive parents are advised to assess the needs of their child and to seek professional assistance to support the child’s speech-language skills as soon as any concerns are raised.
Sources
- Children’s Home Society and Family Services Website. “Understanding Speech Therapy” (accessed May 1, 2011).
- HowKidsDevelop.com Website. “How Common is Developmental Delay Among Children in Foster Care” (accessed May 1, 2011).
- Martin, Allison. “Adoption: Your Child’s Speech and Language Development.” ComeUnity.com Website. (accessed May 1, 2011).
- SpeechDelay.com Website. “Language Development: Baby’s First Communication Steps” .(accessed May 1, 2011).
Angela Krueger - As an adoptive parent and PRIDE adoption trainer, Angela uses her insights to help others on their adoption journey.
