Written by: Taelor Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Your child’s first three years of life are full of growing, changing, and learning. You may have heard the saying, “kids are like sponges,” and this is true! They learn by observing and taking in information from their surroundings. This is why kids develop these skills best in an environment that is full of sounds, sights, vocabulary, and exposure to speech and language skills. However, despite providing your child with the optimal situation, some children still struggle to gain words and communicate effectively.
Perhaps they’re communicating primarily through gestures. Maybe they were babbling and saying words, and they suddenly stopped. It’s hard to know whether to “wait and see”, or seek a professional opinion when it comes to your child’s development. The information provided below discusses developmental milestones related to speech and language, as well as when you should reach out for more assistance.
What Speech and Language Milestones Should I Look For?
It’s incredibly difficult to determine what is typical development and what is delayed. Every child grows at their own pace, so it never hurts to bring up concerns to your child’s pediatrician at any point in their development. By 6 months old, a child should be babbling. By their first birthday, they should have spoken their first real word. During the time between their first birthday and second birthday, they should be increasing their vocabulary and using words more often. By the time they turn two, they should be putting words together to communicate. The next year is full of growth when it comes to speech and language development. When your child turns three, they should be communicating clearly with others and able to say sentences that contain four or more words. By this time, they should have developed many sounds and should be easily understood by family members and friends.
My Child is Delayed in Developing These Skills. What is My Next Step?
If you notice that your child is behind in developing some of these skills, bring it up at their next doctor appointment. Your doctor will likely refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP will discuss your child’s communication, utilize assessments to evaluate your child, and determine the next steps to encourage speech and language development. If the SLP deems it appropriate, they may recommend your child participate in weekly therapy appointments, and they may give you activities to do at home as well.
Many individuals have a “wait and see” mentality. They believe that their child will eventually grow out of it, or catch up to their peers all on their own. While this may be the case in some situations, it never hurts to consult a professional when it comes to your child’s overall development. Research has proven that early intervention is crucial. Mentioned above, your child’s first three years are so full of learning and growing that getting them the help they need when they are young has proven to be incredibly beneficial.
Get Professional Speech and Language Services at Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center, P.C.
Our speech-language pathologists at Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center, P.C., located in Johnston, Iowa, and North Liberty, Iowa, are ready to help you navigate these next steps related to your child’s communication. We offer free screenings that allow us to determine if an evaluation is necessary. Our speech and language evaluations look at the whole child and help us provide suggestions that are tailored to each child individually. Reach out today! We would love to schedule you for a free screening or an evaluation.
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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