How do I know if my child has a speech or language delay? How can I help them? As one of Orlando’s top Pediatric speech pathologist First Words Speech Therapy receives many questions like this all the time.
This is a very important topic and we comment parents and caregivers for taking the time to understand the understand the development of speech and language.
Your child’s development of speech and language is continuously evolving. There are a few ways to help your child’s developing communications.
How reading helps speech delay
Children are very inquisitive, they love to explore books. At around 18 months of age, you can let them choose the book they want to read. It may be the same book, over and over again.
While for you it may be repetitive and even boring, your child will benefit from the same concepts being reinforced.
The cadence of stories and hearing new words, will benefit your child.
More than “just read”
More than just reading to your child, make them an active participant. Ask them what is going on in the story, point to pictures, what do they see. It’s ok if you don’t understand them or if they respond. It will get them thinking and trying to communicate. You want to make it a positive experience, so don’t use this time to “correct” the, just have fun.
Sing!
Even if your child isn’t fluently speaking, they can express themselves through singing and music. Songs such as, “Rain, Rain Go Away”, the “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, are great.
Try and get them to sing with you, pause at the end and see if they can complete the next words. Don’t forget to make it fun and celebrate their progress.
If you suspect your child has a speech delay
If your child is not meeting the age appropriate developmental milestones it is important to seek help from a certified speech language therapist. Early intervention is key.
First Words Speech Therapy provides individualized therapy for a variety of speech, language, and occupational needs. Therapy plans and schedules are determined after an initial evaluation takes place. Therapy visits include one-on-one treatment, followed by parent consultation for carryover of activities in the home.
