Prevalence, severity and risk factors for speech disorders in US children

Abstract

Data from the US National Survey of Children’s Health for years 2007, 2011–2012, 2016 and 2017, based on parent report, were analysed to determine the prevalence, severity and specific risk factors (bilingualism, comorbidity, age, sex) for speech disorders. The prevalence of speech disorders was lower for children who are bilingual, without comorbidity, older and females. Parents of children who are bilingual, with comorbidity and in the youngest and oldest age groups were more likely to report moderate or severe symptoms. Unlike prior reports based on smaller samples, findings indicate that bilingual children are not at higher risk for speech disorders.