Speech development in children

Speech is unique to man, as a system of communication in which thoughts are expressed and understood by using acoustic symbols. The range of normality in speech development in children is wide. Development does not occur at a steady rate and language milestones are earlier in girls. There is speech delay if the child is not speaking by 3 1/2 years of age, or speech may be defective in articulation or language. Any speech problems should be detected and treated however as early as possible and hence certain children in high-risk groups should be screened for hearing or speech problems.