Early intervention is crucial for speech development, and delaying check-ups can lead to a loss of precious time, said neuropediatrician Dr. Emina Vukaz and speech therapist Emina Herić on the show 'Novi dan'.
Parents who notice that their child is late in starting to speak should not wait in the hope that they will "start talking on their own." Timely check-ups and early involvement of specialists can make a huge difference in a child's development, agreed neuropediatrician Dr. Emina Vukaz and speech therapist Emina Herić in an interview with N1.
Speech therapist Herić particularly emphasized the importance of recognizing basic communication skills. When a child reaches about one year of age, parents should pay attention if they notice that the child does not make eye contact, does not show joint attention, does not respond to their name, or does not say their first words, because these signs should not be ignored. She added that developed speech comprehension is a good foundation for language development, but if these skills are absent, one should consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Dr. Vukaz explained that delayed speech development is not a final diagnosis, but a symptom indicating the need to determine the cause of the difficulties. "Mothers often notice first that something is wrong, but those around them often convince them that it is just a passing phase," she said. She believes that parental concern should be taken seriously, and after a problem is suspected, hearing should be checked first, as some disorders can occur even after the test done at birth.
She also warned about systemic issues such as long waiting lists and a complex system in which children often "get lost" before they reach all the necessary check-ups. She emphasized that therapy should not be delayed until a final diagnosis is made. "The first two years of life are the most important for brain development," stressed Dr. Vukaz. She pointed out that one of the biggest problems in the system is that there is no person to guide the child through the entire process and coordinate appointments with different specialists.
Herić drew attention to the growing influence of screens on children. Due to the fast pace of life, little ones are spending more and more time in front of phones and TVs, and their brains are not able to process such a large amount of stimuli. This leads to a reduced interest in the environment, play, and interaction with others. The advice is not to use screen devices until the child begins to speak and communicate in a way that involves exchange.
Dr. Vukaz explained that screens do not cause autism, but they can slow down language development and prompt additional diagnostic checks. She reminded of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines that state children under 18 months should not be exposed to screens, and after that age, content should be watched only with parents who talk to them about what they are watching.
The interviewees highlighted the crucial role of parents in the therapeutic process. Dr. Vukaz mentioned a study from the UK that showed that children whose parents were actively involved in therapy achieved much better results than those who worked only with specialists. She recommended that parents start talking to their children from the first months, involve them in daily activities, and not wait for specialist check-ups to start encouraging speech.
Herić also warned about the potential harm of therapies found on the internet. "A child can adopt incorrect pronunciation or exercise techniques, which makes later speech therapy last significantly longer," she explained. Instead of seeking information online or using tools like ChatGPT, she advised parents to stick to the instructions of specialists who will tailor the therapy to the specific child.
Dr. Vukaz listed specific developmental milestones. Even in a three-month-old baby, if they do not make eye contact, it can be the first warning sign. A child who has turned one should have a few functional words, and a child with fewer than 50 words in the second year requires additional attention. "Waiting can mean losing precious time for early intervention," she said.
Finally, Herić called on parents not to delay a visit to a speech therapist and not to give up on therapy, even if results are not immediately visible. She emphasized that early intervention is extremely important and that with the cooperation of parents and specialists, there is always the possibility of progress in a child's development.
