Developmental delays related to prematurity Many premature babies are considered at high risk for delays in their intellectual, motor, and language skills. All areas of their development must be carefully watched. Some motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and traumatic brain injury affect a child's muscles, including those involved in speech production. There are many structural abnormalities that affect speech. Using visual communication such as sign language or gestures works for these children.
Successful treatment depends upon identifying the problem early.
Your child will also need to have a hearing test. In many states a state license is also required. A speech and language evaluation will identify the nature and severity of the disorder or delay, identify possible causes, and outline a treatment program. Your doctor may find that assessment or treatment may also involve referral to other professionals such as a developmental pediatrician, learning specialist, neurologist, otolaryngologist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The goals of speech therapy are to correct deviant speech sound production, teach phonological rules, and correct inappropriate vocal pitch, intensity, or intonation.