As with many things these days, there are some misconceptions about the development of speech and language in children. This can be especially confusing for parents in the Orlando area.
Should I be reading novels while the baby is in utero? Is it okay to speech baby talk with my 6 month old? We all just want what is best for our child, but was it that?
It is important to have patients when it comes to children, and that includes their speech and language development. Every child progresses at their own rate, it is also important to understand the facts about language development.
My Child Just Turned 1 and Isn’t Saying Any Words
As a parent, should you be concerned if your child does not speak a clear word by their first birthday? The fact is, most children say their first words between 12 and 18 months. While it may be difficult not to compare your child with their friends, who seem to be many words by 12 months.
But children develop speech at different rates. It would be a red flag if your child doesn’t say any words by age 18 months, says words then suddenly stops at this age, or their language skills stop expanding or increasing.
A popular question, does “da da” or “ba ba” count, Yes! The words don’t have to be completely clear or accurate to be considered words.
So, if your child isn’t saying “mommy” or “daddy” by 12 months old, it may not be reason to worry. They don’t have to be accurate or completely clear, ‘da da’ and “ma ma” definitely count. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has a development chart from birth to 5 years old.
Is using “baby talk’ with my child going to slow down their language development?
Studies have shown any type of engagement is beneficial to your child. In fact, “baby talk” can help children focus on patterns of speech.
“Our findings suggest that diminutives and reduplication, which are frequently found in baby-talk words—across many different languages—can facilitate the early stage of vocabulary development,” says lead researcher Mitsuhiko Ota of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences.
Will teaching my child sign language accelerate their language development?
Many parents are teaching toddlers sign language to communicate before their child can talk in hopes of speeding up their language development. But according to a study from the University of Hertfordshire in England, Dr Liz Kirk found, “Although babies learned the gestures and used them to communicate long before they started talking, they did not learn the associated words any quicker than the non-gesturing babies, nor did they did they show enhanced language development.
Early Intervention Is Key
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s language or speech development, it is important to have them evaluate.
Contact First Words Therapy for an evaluation. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to meet your child’s needs. The earlier you get them treatment, the easier it is for everyone.
