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All children progress at different stages, so it’s easy for parents to overlook some of the signs and signals that their child is having issues with their speech. Communication delays and disorders are very common in the United States, and early intervention is key to better outcomes.
Early detection can lead to early treatment which can reduce or eliminate further challenges. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) can help with language, speech, fluency (stuttering), voice, feeding, and social communication skills.
Here are some indicators that your child may benefit from a speech therapy referral:*
Language - If your child cannot or does not:
- Babble (six months)
- Use gestures, such as waving or pointing (nine - 12 months)
- Understand names of at least 10 familiar objects (12 months)
- Can say approximately 50 words (18 months)
- Answer simple questions (two - three years)
- Ask simple questions, such as “What’s that?” or “Where…?” (two - three years)
- Follow two-step directions, such as “Put your toy away and come here” (three - four years)
Speech - If your child cannot or does not:
- Imitate new words or mouth movements (18 months)
- Have 50% understandable speech by two-three years; 90% by five years
Fluency (stuttering) - If your child does the following:
- Excessive repetition of first sounds of words - “b-b-b-bike” (three years)
- Repeats words multiple times in a sentence - “Can, can, can I...” (three years)
- Stretches out sounds in words - “s-s-s-s-see” (three years)
Voice - If your child uses:
- A hoarse, rough or breathy voice
- A nasal sounding voice
Feeding - If your child:
- Has excessive drooling or loses food/liquid from mouth (18 months)
- Is an extremely picky eater (only eats specific foods)
- Has difficulty changing from baby foods to textured (lumpy) foods or to table foods
- Has difficulty chewing foods
- Coughs/chokes during drinking or eating, or makes a gurgling sound; is frequently ill with respiratory infections or pneumonias
- Will only drink through a bottle and will not progress to a cup
Social Communication - If your child cannot or does not:
- Show awareness of own and other’s feelings (three years)
- Make eye contact or show interest in playing/communicating with others
- Introduce topics in conversation or participate in back and forth conversation (three years)
- Pay attention and respond to facial expressions or gestures - “Stop!” when a hand is held up along with a firm facial expression (four - five years)
- Recognize they are not being understood or know how to rephrase what they want. (four years)
*Please note: Consideration should be given that this is not an all-inclusive list and that skills development occurs in a range of time.
We're Here to Help!
If you have concerns regarding your child’s speech, talk to your pediatrician about seeking help from a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Curative New Berlin Therapies has long been the provider of choice in this area with expertise in all aspects of child development, including movement, speech, feeding, and sensory processing.
To get started, please contact our Curative New Berlin Therapies team by calling 262-782-9015 or request an appointment. We have caring, certified therapists who are experts in the latest treatment options and would love to help your child and family thrive. A physician referral is required for a therapy evaluation.
Learn more about Curative New Berlin Therapies
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