Coaching & Consulting Services for Parents of Young Children with Speech Delays
Understanding speech delays in young children
Strong expressive and receptive language skills play a crucial role in a child’s holistic growth and effective communication. Expressive language encompasses verbal expression, nonverbal gestures, signs, and facial expressions, enabling little one’s to convey their wants, needs, thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, receptive language involves comprehending and understanding spoken and visual cues. If you’re a concerned parent seeking assistance with your child’s expressive and/or receptive language development, we are delighted to collaborate with you. Our aim is to explore various approaches to enhance communication skills, offering practical strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
Signs of language delays in toddlers
*12-15 months of age: Minimal vocalizations, no single words such as mama or dada, not responding to name or sounds in environment.
*18 months of age: Less than 10 single words, minimal vocalizations, not responding to "no," or "stop," not responding to name or sounds in environment
*2 years of age: Less than 20 single words, not following single step directions, little to no communicative gestures (pointing, shaking head, etc), limited vocalizations, not imitating speech sounds
*2 1/2 years of age: Not producing 2 word phrases, not following directions or answering "yes/no" and "wh" questions, lack of gestures or words to make requests or communicate socially
*3 years of age: Not producing 2-3 word phrases, not naming items/objects in their environment, not using gestures or words to make requests or communicate sociall
Support services for children with speech delays
Communication Strategies: If you’re a concerned parent seeking assistance with your child’s expressive and/or receptive language development, we are delighted to collaborate with you. Our aim is to explore various approaches to enhance communication skills, offering practical strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
Referrals to Therapeutic Support Services: We are happy to help you locate and connect with various supports in your area such as Early Intervention, private Speech Language services, and diagnosing physicians who conduct developmental evaluations or hearing evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Delays
What is the most common cause of speech delays?
Speech delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including environmental factors, such as limited exposure to language-rich environments or a lack of opportunities for interaction and communication. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as hearing loss, developmental disorders, or neurological issues, can also contribute to speech delays. It’s essential to identify and address any underlying factors contributing to the delay in order for targeted therapies to be effective.
At what age do late talkers talk?
Late talking can vary among children, but typically, children who are considered late talkers may begin to talk between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. While most children have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and are beginning to string words together into simple sentences by the age of 2, late talkers may have a more limited vocabulary and struggle with combining words. However, it’s important to note that late talking alone does not necessarily indicate a speech or language disorder. Some children simply develop language skills at a slower pace but catch up with their peers over time.
How many words should a 3 year old have?
A 3 year old should have a single world vocabulary of at least 500 words and be using 3-4 word sentences. They should be easily understood by familiar and unfamiliar people most of the time. A 3 year old should also be able to have a back-and-forth, turn-taking style conversation of at least 2 exchanges.
Why is my toddler not talking yet?
It’s not uncommon for toddlers to vary in their speech development timelines. Some factors that could contribute to delayed speech include a family history of late talkers, limited exposure to language-rich environments, hearing difficulties, developmental delay(s), or tethered oral tissue in the mouth (lip, tongue, cheek tie).
Can a toddler have a speech delay and not be autistic?
Yes, it’s entirely possible for a toddler to have a speech delay without being autistic. Speech delays can stem from a variety of factors, including environmental influences, such as limited exposure to language or hearing impairments, as well as developmental issues unrelated to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While delayed speech can sometimes be an early indicator of ASD, it’s important to recognize that not all children with speech delays are on the autism spectrum. Many children catch up on their own or with the help of speech therapy, and their delays may be attributed to other factors entirely.