El Camino Pediatrics
Newsletter
February 2006
The following article was written
for us by Christine Lotierzo, a speech
pathologist in Encinitas.
Is My Childs Speech and /or Language
Delayed?
Parents are often the first adults
to notice a possible delay in their
child’s speech development. You
may notice their speech is not clear
or they use short sentences. Some guidelines
which may help you decide whether or
not to seek professional help are the
following:
- Your child has experienced frequent
ear infections or has had a long
stay in a hospital.
- The child is not understood by
playmates outside the immediate family.
- The child is frustrated when trying
to communicate and does not show
improvement over time.
- You do not see an improvement over
any 3 month period of time.
These guidelines are suggestions for
you to evaluate if you need to seek
further professional assistance. Speak
with you pediatrician if you are concerned
about your child’s speech or
language development. You may then
contact your local school district
or a Speech therapist for more information
and possible assessment. The earlier
a child is given intervention, the
better the outcome.
Christine Lotierzo MA/CCC/SPL
Chris@Lotierzo.com
Cough medicines
The American College of Chest Physicians
has now recommended that over-the-counter
cough suppressants not be used in children.
Numerous studies and reviews show that
they really don't work and the the
guidelines state that "they have
little, if any benefit in the symptomatic
control of acute cough in children" and
that the use of these medications may
have side effects. The new guidelines
also state that these medicines have
little benefits in adults too.
Look at My Kids Doctor Visit for
info on what to watch for with a cough. |
Newsletter