If you suspect that your child’s communication skills are not consistent with their peers, address these concerns with your pediatrician and ask for a referral for a Speech and Language evaluation by a certified Speech and Language Pathologist. Early intervention is the key to establishing competent communication skills, sound social-emotional development, and in establishing future learning capability. Here are some key warning signs to look for:
Birth to Six Months
· Lack of response to sound
· Lack of interest in communication
· Feeding problems
· Doesn’t localize to sound
Six to Twelve Months
· Groping or awkward movements when attempting to make or imitate sounds
· Limited sound production, child doesn’t attempt to imitate speech
· Feeding, chewing and/or swallowing difficulties
· Doesn’t respond to smiles and verbal interaction
Twelve to Twenty-Four Months
· Has difficulty understanding simple words or directions
· Cannot answer simple yes/no questions
· Cannot name simple objects/actions
· Limited vocabulary
· Poor eye contact
· Limited social interaction
· Difficulty sitting for listening activities or stories
· Grunting/gesturing as main form of communication
· Groping or awkward movements when attempting to make or imitate sounds
Three to Four Year Olds
· Limited Vocabulary
· Communicating with 1-3 words or phrases instead of using sentences
· Increased frustration when not understood
· Unclear speech that is not easily understood outside of those that live in the home
· Not able to follow multi-step directions
· Unable to answer the “W” questions (who, what, where, when, why)