Questions To Ask About Early Signs of a Speech Delay

It isn’t always easy being a parent, especially with our busy lives. Deciphering if your child has a language or speech challenge is not always so straightforward. The team at Orlando’s First Words Speech Therapy understands it can be a struggle and it isn’t always easy to know what is best for your child. Which is why we are here to help support you and your child. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself when it comes to recognizing the early signs of a speech or language delay.

At what age to parents and caregivers bring their child to a speech therapist?

Though children typically start saying words around their first birthday, it is important that they are meeting their milestones. For example, before language develops, babies express themselves through cooing and babbling.

Many parents start to have concerns around 18-24 months of age. When they notice either their child isn’t saying many words, difficult to understand, or not responding like children who are similar in age. While other concerns happen a little later in age, such as issues related to articulation, pronunciation and reading.

When it comes to communication challenges, how important is early intervention?

Early intervention is extremely important. In fact, early intervention has changed the developmental framework of many children, allowing them to develop normally. It is also common for those with speech issues to have social and behavioral issues as well.

It can be very frustrating for a child not to be understood. It can also be difficult for families, which is why First Words Speech Therapy, gives you strategies and a plant to help deal with any issues.

How to choose a speech and language therapist?

First, choose a speech therapist you and your child is comfortable with, they are very knowledgeable in their field, as well as your child’s specific needs.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech-language development it is important to be proactive. We encourage you to contact First Words Speech Therapy, we provide a comprehensive evaluation for a variety of speech, language, and occupational needs. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to meet your child’s speech and language needs.