How to investigate and manage the child who is slow to speak

摘要

Delay in speech and language development in children can be defined as a "delay in speech and/or language development compared with controls matched for age, sex, cultural background, and intelligence" To evaluate such children, carefully analyse the child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The analysis should take account of the history and context in which the child is developing, the observed performance of the child, and the results of a validated test of cognitive function. In all cases of suspected speech and language delay, audiometry and a good clinical evaluation of the central nervous system and ear, nose, and throat are mandatory. The management of children with speech and language delay should be multidisciplinary, involving the child's parents and school teacher, as well as various health professionals.