Many factors affect a child’s speech development, and a parent should pay attention to those that may be the most likely obstacle. Scientists note the direct effects of genetic factors, environment, family history, and social class. Equally important, the presence of toxins in the environment, such as mercury or lead, can slow down speech development and cause communication disorders with complex biological effects.
The psychosocial stress to which the child is exposed may require special approaches. Programs such as “Parents as teachers” where parents participate in the home-visiting program to support children’s speech development. Scientists have recognized a weak relationship between maternal sensitivity and speech performance, which means that a decision to participate in the program and psychosocial factors have a much more pronounced effect on the child’s speech development.
Notably, child characteristics, parent-child involvement, interaction, and the availability of teaching materials are three common ways of influencing the speech development of toddlers related to the socioeconomic status of the family.