As a parent, we all want the best for our children. We do everything we can to make sure our children have every opportunity to succeed. Although we try our best, children may still need the help of a therapist to correct a delay in speech / language skills.
As a Speech- Language Pathologist, I often get asked by parents,“ How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?”“ Won’ t my child just grow out of it?”
The following are helpful tips when considering if your child should be evaluated by a speech therapist.
By age two, see a speech therapist if: 1. Your child does not name common objects seen within the everyday environment.( cup, spoon, brush, etc.) 2. Your child is not attempting to put two words together to convey a thought,“ Mama shoe.”“ Daddy cup.” 3. You child has difficulties with following basic directions.( ex. Get your shoes. Etc.) 4. Your child uses pointing more than words to communicate.
By age three, see a speech therapist if: 1. Your child can’ t use sentences of up to four words during normal speech. 2. People outside of the family can’ t understand your child’ s speech. 3. Your child has difficulty with answering basic questions. 4. Your child has difficulty with telling about experiences( ex. Difficulty using words to tell on a sibling.)
By age four, see a speech therapist if: 1. Your child is unable use prepositions when speaking( ex, the ball is under the table. The cup is in the sink. Etc.) 2. Your child’ s speech is not understandable by strangers. 3. Your child cannot follow directions of 2 steps or more( Get your shoes and put them in the closet. Etc.)
As parents, we all LOVE our little ones. We know exactly what our child needs / wants and will give it to him without even needing to ask. This hinders that language learning process! In order for speech skills to grow, they must be practiced every day through normal life experiences. Here are a few helpful hints to practice language skills: Age two: 1. If your child has difficulty with speaking, place her favorite toys in a clear container. Place the container out of reach, but can still be seen by the child. For your child to get the toy, she must ASK by using WORDS. You can model the words and have your child repeat. 2. Include your child in household routines. Talk about what you are doing. 3. During snack time, give your child a choice. Hold up two different snacks. Your child can ask for his choice by pointing and naming the snack he chooses. 4. Read picture books with your child. Name the pictures and ask simple questions,“ What sound does the cow make?” 5. Sing / recite nursery rhymes.
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