Does my child need speech therapy?
When it comes to child development, there is a wide range of normal. If your child appears to be having difficulty communicating, it can be hard to know when it is time to contact a speech-language pathologist. A consultation with an experienced speech-language pathologist is a great way to get your questions answered and find out more about typical speech and language development. Schedule your free consultation now, or continue reading for some red flags that may indicate your child could benefit from a speech/language evaluation.
Red flags in babies:
Doesn’t smile or appear to enjoy interacting with others
Very quiet, doesn’t babble or coo
Uses a limited variety of babbling sounds
Red flags in toddlers:
Doesn't appear to understand what others say
Doesn't talk or make noises during play
Doesn't point or gesture to communicate
Doesn't respond to their name
Uses very few words or only uses one word at a time by the age of 18-24 months
Pronounces most words incorrectly, especially words with early developing sounds, such as p, b, m, h and w
Red flags in preschoolers:
Doesn't use sentences (at least 3-4 words long)
Doesn't appear to enjoy interacting with other children
Continues to pronounce many words incorrectly, including early developing sounds above or sounds such as t, d, n, k, g and f
Deletes many sounds from words
Is difficult to understand and/or becomes frustrated when not understood
Cannot follow routine directions
Not interested in looking at books or writing/drawing
Red flags in early elementary school:
Doesn’t appear to understand a story that is read to them
Cannot tell about something that happened or something they did
Cannot answer basic yes/no, what, where, when, or who questions
Has difficulty with rhyming, learning letter sounds or identifying sounds in words
Has difficulty participating in a conversation by taking turns and staying on topic
Still pronounces words incorrectly
Red flags in later elementary school:
Has difficulty understanding curriculum concepts and vocabulary
Uses incorrect grammar
Cannot summarize ideas or retell a story
Has difficulty with organizing information
Cannot answer inferential questions (i.e. "Why do you think....?" or "What could happen...?" )
Reads below grade level
Has difficulty with spelling
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, please contact us for a free consultation or click to learn more about our speech/language therapy services.
BRIGHTER CONNECTIONS SPEECH AND WELLNESS LLC