Why Can't my Child Talk?

When a child has difficulty communicating, many parents ask: “Why can’t my child talk?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Science is continually evolving in helping us to understand how the brain works, but at this time, the causes of many communication disorders are unknown. Matters are complicated somewhat in that many types of disorders can have more than one cause. For example,

• Hypernasal speech can be caused by cleft palate or it can be caused by the inability of the palate to move due to a brain injury.

• If a child cannot say the /s/ sound, it could be that they are not able to correctly form the sound with their mouths or it could be that they cannot hear the /s/ sound.

The most mysterious of communication disorders are language disorders. Language disorders can be caused by brain injury, illness, or lack of oxygen; however, the vast majority of children who have difficulty understanding or using language have had no such illness or injury.

Of course, we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some of us are good at math, music or art, while others cannot draw a straight line. The case is similar with speech and language. Some children need extra help in certain areas of communication while others do not. SLPs can help support your child's school team with providing speech & language supports tailored to your child's specific communication profile.