The answer to this question is "yes". When a child has a middle-ear infection, fluid accumulates in the middle ear. The middle ear space behind the eardrum is typically filled with air - not fluid. This fluid can actually remain even after the infection has cleared. The presence of this fluid can cause a temporary hearing loss or reduction in hearing. And of course children with repeated infections or fluid build up have a higher likelihood of speech and language delays.
For autism awareness month I wanted to bring awarenss to a less well known syndrome that is on the autism spectrum. This syndrome is called Asperger's Syndrome - also known as high level autism. I found a great article written by a woman (Lynne Soraya) who says she always felt different but never quite knew why until she came across an article called "The Geek Syndrome".
After learning about Asperger's for herself she shares her thoughts on what it means to have Asperger's Syndrome, how it affects a person's interaction with their world, and what are the specific challenges a child or an adult with Asperger's faces. She writes:
"In general, people with Asperger’s generally have trouble with social interaction, communication, as well as regulation of the motor skills and sensory systems.They also can develop obsessive and compulsive tendencies, which manifest themselves in various ways."
Lynne then goes in depth about their social challenges, their verbal communication, their interests and obsessions, and also their sensory and motor challenges. You can read her entire article here: What Does It Mean To Have Asperger Syndrome?
Tips For Encouraging the Development of New Words Through Everyday Activities
I have recently written a post entitled Tips To Help Your Child Learn New Words that provides you with a list of general things you should be doing to indirectly enhance your child's language learning. Here, I'd like to provide you with specific words and concepts that you can add into your daily routine with your toddler that will enhance the development of new words and overall language development.
What is important to understand is that even if you have a toddler with a language delay, you don't have to make extra time throughout your day to enhance and work on language development and language learning. This should be incorporated into everyday activities such as meal time, bath time, getting dressed and even play time. Incorporating language learning in this way enhances meaning and context which are both incredibly important for your child to learn new words and concepts.
