How to Deal with Screaming & Speech Delays without Losing Your Mind

Do you need help with the screaming of your speech delayed child? Maybe your child doesn’t have a diagnosis for speech delays, but still screams when frustrated.

I get it, Friend. Boy, do I get it.

Years of my son’s horrific, ear-piercing, ice-cube on a nerve, never-ending screaming nearly killed me. Sadly, it took me way too long to understand that his screaming was related to a severe speech delay. 

It was brutal. Trying to discipline his screaming using traditional parenting approaches was one of my biggest mistakes.

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Screaming Child & Speech Delays?

Allow me to save you and your child some of the heartache and stress that we went through.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, I speak to this issue in order to support a sweet Mom from AHFAS Private Community.

She asked,

My son screams bloody-murder to get our attention. He interrupts constantly. What do I do?

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So, in this episode, I share a bit of our story with my son. Then I discuss the relationship between screaming and speech delays.

Speech Delays, Screaming Kids & Sensory Needs

And I’m offering my insight and support regarding kids who’re constantly screaming. Let’s talk about:

1. Speech & language processing challenges
2. Sensory processing disorders
3. ADHD in kids and adults
4. How to support kids through the meltdowns

Screaming & Interrupting Kids

In the end, it’s important to know that behavior is information. Together, we parents can rally to support kids with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

There’s so much hope, Friend.

Key Ideas & Concepts About Screaming & Speech Delays

A friend asked me this question:

“Do you have any ideas for a three-year-old learning to be quiet while others are talking?”

Some of our kids, when they’re learning how to speak, struggle with filtering out outside noises and sensory input.

ADHD, Too Much Attention & Sensory Processing Needs

ADHD is not a lack of attention. It’s actually the ADHD brain that receives too much input (i.e., ADHD means too much attention to all the things.)

This makes it difficult to focus on what is most important. In turn, the brain becomes overwhelmed by the flood of information.

At this moment, my sensory systems (including vestibular and proprioceptive systems) are all receiving information.

But what happens is that the brain cannot filter through all of that information.

I have ADHD, but I also have a fully developed prefrontal cortex. I’ve learned how to use my executive functioning skills over time.

Support Sensory Processing & Speech Delays

However, your son, is learning and he’s trying so hard to process language in his mind.

When somebody else is talking, even if it’s in another room, he’s overwhelmed with all of the input.

Our brains only have so much cognitive fuel.

In reality, when kids have speech or language processing challenges, it takes more cognitive fuel to produce language.

He’s about to lose his mind because he so desperately wants to get out his thoughts.

In those moments when your child has a meltdown and begins screaming, he’s reached his limit.

Screaming Kids Need Help

Our job is to equip kids with the tools they need to take the next step.

Whether with speech and language, behaviors, or academics.

In the case of your son, you’re going to help him learn to speak. Let’s help him develop the pathways that make it easier for him to speak.

The first time you drove a car, you were aware of everything. OK, that’s what’s happening right now with his speech.

How To Stop a Child from Screaming?

The following are some simple tips to stop a child from screaming.

1. Scaffold: Change the Environment

Put him in an environment where he is able to really practice just getting his thoughts out without the disruption.

It’s almost like you’re scaffolding.

Scaffolding is a term that is used by educators. It’s the process of offering needed support to a student while they learn a new skill.

This is essential any time you’re teaching a new skill.

2. Focus on the Goal: Communication

Think about baby step number one as learning to communicate.

In other words, you focus on your child’s ability to articulate thoughts. Specifically, you can focus on your son’s ability to produce the speech sounds.

Ultimately, this will help him more effectively communicate as he needs to.

That’s a step up.

Since he can’t filter out any other information, he needs a quiet spot to practice this step.

Then, as that becomes easier, you slowly add more distractions.

How Do I Stop a Child from Screaming for No Reason?

There’s always a reason Behind the Behavior, Friend.

Find the root issue, and then you can best support your child with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

To learn more, continue listening to the entire episode.

Select What You Want to Hear

In the above podcast player, you can use the episode chapter icon (bottom center) to select what you want to hear. Also, you can use the pop-up icon (far right) to share this podcast on social media or download it for later listening. Enjoy!

• [02:07] Melanie Asks…
• [03:12] Our Story
• [04:13] Brain Receiving Information
• [05:45] Brain and Cognitive Energy
• [07:18] Set Him Up For Success
• [08:14] Like Your Scaffolding

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a nominal fee from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure policy for more info.