Expert guidance on pediatric speech and language development

Medical experts are providing guidance on the importance of early intervention and holistic assessment for speech and language development in children.

Dr. Aşena Karamete Güdül of Atlas University has cautioned against a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, noting that high brain plasticity in early childhood makes timely intervention essential. She highlighted the need to monitor phonological awareness and social communication skills, warning that delaying support until school age can result in social withdrawal and loss of self-confidence. She also noted that stuttering should be viewed as a “neurodiversity-based developmental difference rather than a disease.”

Building on these concerns, pediatric neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Dilara Füsun İçağasıoğlu emphasized that evaluations should move beyond simple word counts to include social interaction and communication skills. Key indicators for medical evaluation include a lack of eye contact, failure to respond to sounds, or communicating primarily through gestures. To support linguistic growth, experts recommend increasing social engagement through play, reading books, and limiting screen time.