Are you concerned about your toddler’s speech and language development? Do these 2 (maybe 3) things first!
Are you concerned your little one might have a speech or language delay? Before jumping into various strategies to boost your toddler’s language development, it’s important to first address some foundational aspects of their health that could be impacting their progress. By making sure there are no underlying issues, you can ensure the strategies you eventually implement are more effective.
Here are three essential steps to take before diving into language-building strategies:
Step 1: Schedule a Formal Hearing Evaluation
One of the first things to do is to schedule a formal hearing evaluation for your little one. Even minor hearing issues can significantly impact language development. For example, fluid buildup in the ears can affect how your child processes sounds, or they might struggle to hear specific tones that are necessary for learning speech.
Hearing evaluations will help rule out any auditory barriers that could be delaying your child’s ability to understand and use language effectively.
Step 2: Visit a Pediatric Dentist
Next, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist to assess if your child has any tethered oral tissues, such as tongue or lip ties. These physical restrictions can hinder your child from forming certain sounds and words properly. If they are present, it may be hard for your toddler to articulate sounds and develop language in a typical way.
Addressing oral health and mobility early ensures your child has the physical ability to make the sounds they need to build their language skills.
Step 3: Watch for These Signs
In addition to hearing and oral health, keep an eye out for these symptoms in your toddler:
- Snoring
- Multiple night wakings or extremely restless sleep
- Mouth breathing most of the time
- Excessive drooling
These signs could point to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which may be affecting your child’s ability to sleep and breathe comfortably—both of which can, in turn, affect speech development.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to discuss them with your pediatrician, as treating them may significantly improve your child’s communication abilities.
Why This Matters
Building strong language skills is a lot like constructing a house—you need to make sure the foundation is solid before adding rooms. Addressing these potential physical barriers will give your child the best chance to thrive with the language-boosting strategies you’ll later introduce.
Action Steps
- Call your pediatrician to schedule a formal hearing evaluation.
- Book an appointment with a pediatric dentist to check for any oral restrictions.
- Keep track of any sleep or breathing concerns and bring them up during your child’s next doctor visit.
Once these areas have been addressed, you can move forward confidently, knowing that any strategies you apply will be more effective.
Need more guidance? Download our free guide, “The Parent’s Guide to Understanding Speech and Language Delays” to learn about common signs, language milestones from birth to five years, what steps to take, and how to support your toddler’s development.
You’re not alone—Village of Littles is here to help!
