What to do about delayed speech development
Guest:
Lenora Edwards is a speech and language pathologist for BetterSpeech.com. Along with over 150 other licensed therapists with an average of 10 years of experience, BetterSpeech.com is a nationwide online platform. They offer a free consultation on how they might help you or your loved one with appointments that include evenings and weekends. With varying prices to suit your needs they even offer itemized bills to submit for reimbursement for those with qualifying insurances.
Interview:
In today’s episode we’re going to learn some of the red flags that your child might be exhibiting when it comes to speech and communication delays, and when to consult a speech therapist.
What are some red flags to look out for, and when is it appropriate to get a speech evaluation?
During the early developmental stages children first experience receptive language, such as when you tell your child you’re going to pick him/her up. During this time children are learning the tones in our voice, and begin to learn what things mean. Children begin to understand language before they gain the ability to express it. Some things to look out for are how your child responds to the information you are giving. When you call your child’s name does he/she respond? Does he/she look at your face? Does your child follow the directions you are giving? Does the response you’re getting show that your child understands what you are saying?
If you have any cause for concern in delays of speech and communication it is in your best interest to consult a speech therapist.
Would you say that if there is a lack of receptive communication that would be a good time to get a consultation?
Absolutely!! Some red flags to notice are lack of eye contact, not working to engage attention, or not following simple directions like come here. When you model what you’re asking your child can he/she model after you? Remember to keep talking to your child, and give your child the opportunity to communicate with you. Take your time, be patient, repeat what you want your child to do, and allow time for your child to process what you’re asking.
What are some of the signs of concern when it comes to expressive language?
For children in the younger stages babbling is a form of communication, as they grow older children then string together a series of consonants and vowels. If your child is only speaking in vowels or using a repetitive word that may be a red flag and need for a consultation. When you speak to your child make sure he/she can see your face to model after you, but if your child isn’t making eye contact or engaging with you when you are speaking that could be a sign of concern.
What are some strategies parents can do at home?
Offer opportunities for your child to communicate with you
Playing developmental games
Recap:
When it comes to speech and communication development children learn to express themselves by learning from us.
Keep talking to your child, and make sure what you're saying is digestible and not too much all at once.
When in doubt, reach out
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