The first time your child says “mama” or “dada”, is thrilling for a parent. The adorable baby talk is soon to follow. But what if your 1 year old isn’t saying any words? What if your 5 year old is still mispronouncing basic words or is difficult for others to understand? At what age to you consult with a speech therapist for help?
It is important to remember children develop at their own pace. So, there may not be cause for alarm if your child is a little behind. But if you aren’t sure, it is best to have your child evaluated.
At First Words Speech Therapy we offer a free phone consultation to help parents and caregivers determine if an extensive evaluation is necessary. There is ample research that shows the ‘wait and see’ method is ineffective when it comes to delays or disorders in speech and language.
Evidence shows, the earlier children receive intervention, the easier it is for them to unlearn bad habits and learn new ones. The earlier a child is evaluated, diagnosed and treated for a speech language delay or disorder, the less of an impact it will have on their development, emotions and social well being, and academic achievements.
There are a number of causes for a speech delay, hearing issues, oral-motor problems, oral impairment (issues with the palate or tongue), or neurological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder. Professionals in the field recommend having your child evaluated as soon as you notice an issue
Verbal development
There are certain milestones that can help pinpoint if there is an issue.
If your 18 month old child isn’t saying any words, doesn’t respond to you calling their name, doesn’t make eye contact, or isn’t pointing, you should call us for a free phone screening.
A 2 year old should be able to say about 50 words and able to communicate by combining words.
By 3 years of age a child should pronounce the “t”, “n”, and “d” sounds clearly. A person not familiar with your child should be able to understand most of what your child is saying.
By 5 years old, everyone should understand just about everything your child says.
