Speech delay: Therapists advise early intervention

In a welcome initiative to dispel doubts and worries of the parents, the KC Kindergarten located near Mao Gate is organising a ‘Free speech and language assessment for kids’ on February 24.

DIMAPUR — Speech and developmental delay among kids have shown an increasing trend across the globe. In Nagaland too, parents have been raising voices on speech delay on multiple platforms. 

Though some may ascribe the speech and developmental delay in children to excessive use of mobile phones and televisions or inter-tribe marriages, it is always advisable to approach professionals for early intervention.

Children develop at their own pace and in their own way, but they might face speech delay if they have not reached the milestone for speech for a particular age.

In a welcome initiative to dispel doubts and worries of the parents, the KC Kindergarten located near Mao Gate is organising a ‘Free speech and language assessment for kids’ on February 24.

Nohosanu Viswentso Kiba, audiologist and speech language pathologist, and Zumongi Kikon, masters in speech and language pathology (MSc SLP), will be the resource persons of the assessment camp.

When asked about the objective of organising the free speech assessment camp, the proprietor of the school, K Lerite, informed Eastern Mirror that lately the school has come across some students with speech and language issues.

“So I felt the necessity to conduct this programme for the benefit of our students and also the parents,” she said.

She expressed hope that more schools in Nagaland would also conduct speech and language evaluation before admitting the kids. 

The speech assessment camp, which is open for all children, will focus on children who have delayed speech, unclear speech, stammering problem, speech and sound disorder and kids who are three years and above but yet to utter their first word.

“Through play, children learn about the world and themselves. They also learn skills they need for study, work and relationships,” she said

Naro, a mother of a four-year-old boy, shared her son’s successful journey of how speech therapy from a professional helped her son improve his speech. Her son was diagnosed with mild developmental delay when he was about three years old.

The mother said that she received tons of advises and suggestions. She also confided that she even cried when some people commented that her kid might be having some abnormalities.

“Do an assessment without delay; there are many institutes and hospitals offering several courses. It really does help,” is her advice to parents facing similar problems.

Nohosanu Viswentso Kiba, who is currently attached at Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur, informed Eastern Mirror that early intervention is always the best.

She expressed her happiness on the scheduled speech and language evaluation for kids at KC Kindergarten.

“I am more than happy to know that people are now being aware of the importance of speech and language development… No to screen time and yes to real world,” she advised adding that limiting screen time and incorporating activities like flashcards, outdoor play and turn-taking can contribute positively to a child’s development.

“Building a balanced and interactive environment fosters not only cognitive but also social and physical skills. It’s crucial to be mindful of the potential risks associated with excessive screen time and prioritise diverse experiences for your child’s well-rounded growth,” the therapist added.

Zumongi Kikon, who provides home speech therapies said, “I’m genuinely excited to contribute to the free speech and language assessment for kids at Mao Gate. It’s my hope to witness similar opportunities emerge for children across Nagaland.”

According to the proprietor of the school with the motto ‘Learning through play,’ play is most vital during the growing stage of a child as it improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of a child.