When the child exchanges R for L in words like "dear", which ends up "chelating", it may be the case of a disorder called dyslalia. This disorder is characterized by the difficulty of speaking some sounds, being characterized by errors in pronunciation or difficulty in articulating words, as did the character Cebolinha from the comic book Turma da Mônica.
Pronouncing words in a wrong way is more common in boys and is normal until the age of 4, but if the problem persists after that age, you should seek the pediatrician, otolaryngologist or speech therapist to investigate the problem and start treatment, which should always include speech therapy sessions to improve speech, perception and articulation of sounds.
Types and Causes
Dyslalia can be caused can be of 4 types, according to the cause of the problem:
- Evolutionary: it is considered normal in children and is progressively corrected in its development; Functional: when there is a substitution of one letter for another when speaking, as with Cebolinha, or adding or distorting the sound; Audiogenic: when the individual is deaf and cannot repeat the sound; Organic: when there is some injury to the brain that prevents correct speech or when there are changes in the structure of the mouth or tongue that hinder speech.
It is important to remember that one should not talk wrong with the child or find it beautiful and encourage him to mispronounce the words, as these attitudes can stimulate the appearance of dyslalia.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dyslalia is made by the pediatrician or otorhinolaryngologist, who will assess the baby's speech and check if there are changes in the child's mouth, hearing or brain, and can order tests such as hearing and psychological tests.
It is important to make the diagnosis so that dyslalia is treated properly, as it can cause learning problems and school delay.
How to treat
Treatment is done according to the cause of the problem, but it usually includes treatment with speech therapy sessions to improve speech, develop techniques that facilitate language, perception and interpretation of sounds, and stimulate the ability to make sentences.
In addition, the child's self-confidence and personal relationship with the family should also be encouraged, as the problem often arises after the birth of a younger sibling, as a way to return to being small and receiving more attention from parents.
In cases where neurological problems have been found, treatment should also include psychotherapy, and when hearing problems are present, hearing aids may be required.
Learn more about children's speech problems at:
