Home  Sue's Blog Red Flags for Speech-language Development
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Red Flags for Speech-language Development |
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February 11, 2010
The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) is raising awareness about “red flags” for signs of language delay especially in the summer months when parents have more one on one time with their children. Language allows us to express our thoughts and is crucial for academic learning. When children’s speech and language skills are effective, they do well at school. This is why early intervention is so important.
ASHA has set basic guidelines which tell us that at 1 year of age a child should have single words like “ball, up, momma.” At 2 years of age, a child should begin to combine 2 words like “go bye-bye, doggy bark.” At 3 years of age the child should be speaking in complete sentences and the speech should be relatively clear; however grammar skills are not completely accurate.
Susan Diamond, M.A.,CCC, a speech pathologist says that if a parent is having concerns, they should listen to their gut level feelings. They can contact a speech pathologist and discuss their concerns by phone to determine if an evaluation is needed. Most speech pathologists perform evaluations and develop therapy based on the findings, so each child’s individual needs are met. Therapy is fun for the young child with floor time and engaging activities. The child has fun while learning and they acquire the speech and language skills they need.
Speech and Language Tips for Parents
Speak to your child in complete sentences so they learn correct grammatical structures while expanding their language skills.
Allow time for turn taking with talking and listening to teach conversational skills and social skills.
Encourage your child to be a story teller even if they cannot read the words.
Read to your child and ask questions about what they see in the pictures.
At the market, categorize the items such as fruit, vegetables, etc.
Talk about what you are doing while you are doing it to teach vocabulary and problem solving.
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