Masks can make it more challenging to communicate with others. Masks can block communication in offices, factories, and retail environments.
These are minor inconveniences for adults.
Masks can be a hassle for children who are just learning to speak or are in a phase of rapid communication and language development.
Masks can be a hindrance to everyday speech and language growth, according to some.
Niccole Cornaghie is a speech-language pathologist working with Early Intervention in Franklin, Jackson, and Williamson Counties. She said that the pandemic had impacted all the children she worked with. They don’t have the visual clues they used to get with masks, which is a problem when they learn to speak. They will need to look at you to see your lips and tongue to imitate what you do.
Cornaghie stated that she prefers to wear transparent masks so clients can see her face, but this is not possible in every setting. Face coverings affect more than just talking.
“We don’t just focus on language; we also deal with the emotional and social aspects of it. Social skills were, of course. She said that facial expressions are more important than you think. Masks can hinder this ability.
It’s not just about masks. They are required accessories in Illinois schools and daycare centers. The cancellations and lockdowns at all events impede children’s language development, from performances and birthday parties for children to play dates and family gatherings.
Cornaghie said, “I think that most of it was the lockdowns in which we were sheltered in places that probably impacted our development more than anything.” They stopped visiting extended families and didn’t go out. They didn’t travel to places where they could interact with other peers. There weren’t many opportunities for kids to have fun and learn English, such as storytime at the library or at the park. They didn’t have the chance to access these things.
Norton stated that it was not clear if forced closures or remote learning had a negative impact on language skills in any case.
“Children who are learning remotely might not have had as many back-and-forth interactions as we know to support their language development. She explained that they had less interaction with their peers, so that could have been an issue. It could also be that a remote parent allowed them to spend more time with their child, and support their child’s development of their language skills.
She said that there are various studies underway to assess the effects of lockdowns and masks on language development. One early study suggested it might be slowed.
Norton said, “We don’t know if that shows it because they tested them wearing masks and weren’t able to do the required tasks as quickly.”
Cornaghie stated that many children don’t reach milestones as fast as they used to because they missed learning opportunities at school or daycare closings.
Connelly stated that she saw a change in her student’s behavior after returning to the classroom.
She said, “I was really taken back by the lack of vocabulary that our children have.” “These younger children have a significantly reduced vocabulary.”
She stated that she believed the pandemic caused the loss of vocabulary, which was not always the case.
“Why is it happening?” COVID probably brought this out more, because what are our children doing more than any other? She said that they are looking at screens.
Connelly said that children become blind to what is going on around them when they are staring at screens, whether it’s for school, television, or video games.
To learn more about speech-language development issues and get the guidance, you can reach out to our expert team at Empower Therapy.
