Communication is an essential aspect of human interaction that enables us to express our thoughts, needs, and emotions.
For children, the ability to communicate effectively plays a crucial role in their overall development and well-being. Growing up, children tend to watch their parents talk to them or give them the right vibe. They even applaud them when they do the right thing. But as time went on, parents start acting differently as opposed to what the children were familiar with.
This results in the children choosing their teachers over their hardworking parents, leading to a reduction in communication between them and their parents. Parents no longer ask their children how their day went because they think their children are now used to doing certain things like going to school and having their peers around them. Parents believe that since their children can now walk, talk, and are familiar with what to do or not do, they do not need to get involved in their lives anymore.
Fathers become the statue of fear in the home. They no longer show fatherly love. They return home late in the night when the children are fast asleep or pretend to be asleep because they no longer feel fatherly affection. Mothers get too busy with the newly born or their job, catering only for their homes at the expense of having time for the well-being of their children.
Parents, of course, care, but their ability to listen is gone. And as time goes on, the children forget what it means to communicate with their parents or know what to say to them. They start keeping secrets from their parents, and pretending as though they are fine when they aren’t. They hide their pains, including the ones that will forever traumatise them. This leads to a range of disabilities in children.
These disorders can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in speech, language, social interaction, and nonverbal communication. One common thread among these disorders is the impairment in the child’s ability to effectively convey their thoughts and engage in meaningful conversations.
When there is a lack of communication, children feel emotionally neglected or ignored. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and a sense of being unimportant or invisible. Over time, these experiences can be deeply traumatic and affect a child’s overall emotional development.
However, some children experience difficulties in this area, and a lack of communication can be a sign of a developmental disorder. Identifying and addressing these challenges early on is vital for providing the necessary support and intervention for affected children. Therefore, it is important to note that lack of communication in children has several other factors that have nothing to do with the parents. However, if the parents pay more attention to their children, these disorders can become known before it is too late.
One of the most well-known communication disorders is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. Children with ASD often exhibit challenges in language development, such as delayed speech or difficulty in initiating and sustaining conversations. They may struggle with understanding nonverbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, and have difficulty expressing their own emotions and needs.
Another communication disorder is Specific Language Impairment (SLI), which is characterised by difficulties in language acquisition despite normal intelligence and hearing abilities. Children with SLI may have trouble with grammar, vocabulary, and understanding complex sentences. They may also find it challenging to follow instructions or engage in age-appropriate conversations.
Additionally, children with developmental disorders such as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities may also experience communication difficulties. These conditions can impact a child’s attention span, impulse control, and cognitive abilities, making it harder for them to engage in effective communication.
In conclusion, a lack of communication in children can be a sign of a developmental disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder, specific language impairment, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. It is therefore essential to recognise and address these challenges early on to provide the necessary support and intervention for affected children. However, overall, consistent and healthy communication between parents and children is vital for fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, promoting emotional well-being, and reducing the risk of traumatic experiences.
