Which of the following can be a result of infectious disease related to speech impairments?

The development of speech delays as a result of infectious diseases reflects the potential impact that illnesses can have on a child's ability to communicate effectively. Certain infections, such as ear infections, can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, which may hinder a child’s ability to acquire language and articulate sounds properly. If the child is unable to hear speech sounds clearly, their speech and language development can be affected, leading to delays in expressive and receptive language skills.

Infectious diseases can also affect cognitive functions or lead to conditions such as fever, which may result in lethargy and diminished engagement in communication-rich activities. This disruption can contribute to a gap in speech development as the child may miss critical learning opportunities during important developmental periods. Therefore, it is accurate to state that infectious diseases can indeed lead to the development of speech delays in children.