Speech and Language Development and Disorders. How to know when your child needs speech and language therapy As parents, there are a lot of things you are keeping track of as your child grows – eating, sleeping, moving, learning. There are a lot of resources out there about developmental milestones, and it seems that people around you are constantly asking questions like, “Did he start walking yet?”, “Is he eating solids yet?”, “Does he say any words?”. It can sometimes be overwhelming to take in all of these questions and sift through an abundant amount of information on the internet. If only the early signs of communication concerns were widely known and understood, it would be so much more helpful for worried parents to figure out if they should seek help for their child who isn’t talking yet.
In an attempt to raise awareness of early warning signs of communication disorders, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has provided some guidelines that will help to educate parents and caregivers about speech, language and hearing issues.
The following are some key signs of communication disorders in children from birth to four years of age:
· Does not interact socially (infancy and older)
· Does not follow or understand what you say (beginning at 1 year old)
· Says only a few sounds, words or gestures (18 months to 2 years)
· Does not use at least 20 words (by 18 months)
· It is difficult to understand what they child says (18 months to 2 years)
· Does not combine words such as “mommy up”, “more cookie” or use at least 100-200
words (starting at 2 years old)
· Struggles to say sounds or words (3 to 4 years)
· Becomes frustrated by his difficulties communicating
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s speech, language and hearing abilities, please consult a Speech-Language Pathologist or pediatrician. At Family Speech Services, we can help you identify what is age-appropriate and what are areas that your child may need help with. Remember, early intervention is effective intervention.
In an attempt to raise awareness of early warning signs of communication disorders, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has provided some guidelines that will help to educate parents and caregivers about speech, language and hearing issues.
The following are some key signs of communication disorders in children from birth to four years of age:
· Does not interact socially (infancy and older)
· Does not follow or understand what you say (beginning at 1 year old)
· Says only a few sounds, words or gestures (18 months to 2 years)
· Does not use at least 20 words (by 18 months)
· It is difficult to understand what they child says (18 months to 2 years)
· Does not combine words such as “mommy up”, “more cookie” or use at least 100-200
words (starting at 2 years old)
· Struggles to say sounds or words (3 to 4 years)
· Becomes frustrated by his difficulties communicating
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s speech, language and hearing abilities, please consult a Speech-Language Pathologist or pediatrician. At Family Speech Services, we can help you identify what is age-appropriate and what are areas that your child may need help with. Remember, early intervention is effective intervention.
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