Early Speech Development and Resources

---

The following is adapted from December’s community education presentation given by Darlene Jones, MA, CCC-SLP.

Why it is important to seek professional support when your child has difficulty with speech or language development?

Difficulties with these skills can lead to difficulty making friends, and challenges in school including difficulty with reading, writing and spelling, as well as low self-esteem.

What skills should my child have?

Knowing what your child should be able to do at each phase of development can help you ask the right questions and get help when needed. Here is a great resource from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) with charts of expected milestones from birth to 5 years:  https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/

This is another resource from ASHA that details communication development from kindergarten through 5th grade:

https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/communicationdevelopment/

Difficulties with social communication, or “pragmatics”, can also be addressed by a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP). This can include challenges with social engagement with others, using language as appropriate for different situations, and following rules for social communication.

When should I seek out speech and language services for my child?

Although it is never too late for speech services to help your child make progress, it is important that speech and language delays be identified and addressed as early as possible. Evidence supports the efficacy of early intervention. ASHA provides an easy to read resource regarding some of the things to look for that may indicate a speech, language, or hearing disorder: https://www.asha.org/public/Early-Identification-of-Speech-Language-and-Hearing-Disorders/

How can I get help for my child?

If your child is under 3 years of age, you may be able to get early intervention services for very low cost or free. If you have concerns regarding your child’s speech and language development, please speak with your pediatrician or your local school for more information. If your child is over 3 years old or school aged, they may be able to receive services through the local school district. Once your child has been referred, an evaluation will take place. A qualified SLP will look at all areas of speech and language development and determine strengths and areas of need. If needs are identified, a team meeting will take place and a legal document (IEP for school-aged children, or IFSP for those under 3) will be drafted proposing an appropriate level of services. The findings and recommendations will be reviewed with you and your signature would authorize services to take place. Services may also be obtained through medical insurance or can be acquired privately through an outpatient clinic.

 If you would like more detailed information, this book is a great resource:

Time to Talk: What You Need to Know About Your Child's Speech and Language Development, by Michelle MacRoy-Higgins and Carlyn Kolker

Originally posted by Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services via Locable