Know the signs: are my toddler's speech and language skills delayed?
Parents of young children have a lot to worry about. You’re constantly keeping track of how well your child eats, sleeps, moves, grows and learns. For instance, when your child turns one, everyone starts asking you, “Has she started walking yet?” But no relative ever thinks to ask, “Is your infant making eye contact and laughing and smiling at you?”, “Does your toddler use gestures like pointing and waving yet?”, “Can strangers understand her speech now that she’s 2?” or, “Does your 2-year-old combine two words together like “mommy sock”?”
And that, friends, is something I’d like to change.
I’d like for the average grandparent or aunt or best friend to know what is expected at each age regarding communication development.
Identify the Signs
For this reason, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recently started a campaign called Identify the Signs to help raise awareness of the early warning signs of communication disorders. This year-long campaign seeks to educate parents and caregivers (and grandparents, aunts and best friends!) about speech, language and hearing issues. A recent poll of ASHA’s members (speech-language pathologists and audiologists—the professionals who treat these disorders) found that lack of awareness of the warning signs is the leading barrier to early detection and treatment. Please visit www.IdentifytheSigns.org to learn about the early warning signs of communication disorders and find information on how to get help. I’ll also review key points here.
The following are some key signs of communication disorders in children ages birth to 4 years old:
Does not interact socially (infancy and older)
Does not follow or understand what you say (starting at 1 year)
Says only a few sounds, words or gestures (18 months to 2 years)
Words are not easily understood (18 months to 2 years)
Does not combine words (starting at 2 years)
Struggles to say sounds or words (3 to 4 years)
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to seek out evaluation and treatment. (Or, if you notice them in a grandchild, niece or nephew or best friend’s child, speak up!) As a speech-language pathologist, I know that early intervention (beginning before the age of 3) is important. By treating the symptoms of communication disorders early, treatment is often less expensive and takes less time. So, don’t just worry about it—take action!