Help! How do I know my child may need speech and language services?

Developmental milestones are guidelines for the various skills that children will acquire over time. Some of the major milestones parents often think about include rolling over, sitting up independently, crawling, walking, and talking. While it’s important to recognize that every child develops at their own rate and some skills are mastered earlier than others, parents and caregivers should monitor their child for potential delays so they can offer appropriate support early in the child’s development.

Speech and language skills progress over time. Children first learn how to babble, which then evolves into various sound combinations resulting in words, phrases, and then sentences. What if this natural progress stalls, or if your child doesn’t meet expected speech and language milestones?

Speech therapy addresses communication, voice, and feeding/swallowing disorders and is provided by a speech language pathologist. Although speech and language go hand in hand, they encompass different skills. Speech refers to the way we produce sounds, while language is the words we use to express ideas and needs. Language skills include listening, speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. While a comprehensive evaluation aids in diagnosing a speech/language disorder, parents often ask what milestones or identifying signs may indicate a need for a speech and language evaluation for their child. Here are some general red flags to look for related to speech and language skills:

Language Disorders

The American Speech and Hearing Association has identified the signs of language problems listed below:

Speech Sound Disorders

It is normal for young children to say some sounds incorrectly as they continue to develop their speech sounds. The American Speech and Hearing Association has stated signs of a possible speech sound disorder in young children listed below:

Sometimes we hear the term “late talker,” which can be a gray area for caregivers. Often, the children who are referred to as “late talkers” find other ways to communicate their needs. This can sometimes lessen the concern of parents because the child has figured out how to communicate using hand gestures, grunts, or facial expressions. However, if your child is not interacting with others or does not appear to understand what’s being said to them, this may be a sign of a speech and language delay. In addition, if you’re concerned they haven’t started speaking, it is likely time to talk with a speech therapist.

Parents are often the first to notice any deviations from typical speech and language development. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is best to write them down to discuss with the child’s pediatrician who may refer you to a speech language pathologist. A speech language pathologist will conduct standardized assessments, observe your child's communication skills, and determine if there are any areas of delay or difficulty. Speech therapy can help your child navigate a speech disorder and build confidence and self-esteem through improved communication.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s speech and language skills, we’re here to help you! Contact Bellflower Speech, Language, and Literacy Pediatric Therapy for more information.