Frequency of Intellectual Disability in Children with Speech Delay

Abstract

Background: Language is the conceptual processing of communication and Speech is the verbal mean of producing language. Language includes receptive language and expressive language. Children are considered to have speech delay if their speech development is considerably below the norm for children of the same age. Intellectual Disability is considerably below average intellectual functioning with an onset before 18yrs of age, associated with significant impairment in adaptive functioning. Objective: Objective is to find how frequent Intellectual Disability in children having speech delay. Methodology: Portage Guide for Early Education (PGEE) was used to assess the patients with speech delay and associated cognitive impairment. Structured questionnaire was applied for the children between the ages of 1 to 6 years with speech delay. Sample of 50 patients was collected referred by Child and Family Psychiatry department, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Data was taken in direct interview to parents or caregivers in a formal sitting and analyzed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: Results showed 68% Intellectual Disability in children with Speech Delay. Males were more affected than females. Conclusion: Frequency of Intellectual Disability in speech delay is high; this can be minimize with regular consult to Speech and Language Pathologists, Psychologists, Pediatricians and Parental education for well being of their children. Keywords: Speech Delay, Intellectual Disability, Portage Guide to Early Education