Young children develop the majority of their speech and language skills in the first three years of life. Early identification and treatment of speech and language delays is important to encourage and support your child’s development. Early problems with speech and language problems can negatively affect your child’s ability to read, write, learn and socialize when they become school aged. Early intervention is crucial to avoid persistent difficulties and academic difficulties later on.
Early intervention speech therapists know the specific milestones for communication development. They can evaluate your child’s communication development and identify what areas of the child’s communication need to be addressed. Signs of a possible language delay may include a child not using words by 15 months and not putting words together to make sentences by 18 to 24 months of age. Signs of a possible speech delay may include the child being difficult to understand most of the time by age 3.
Early intervention speech therapy is play based and child and family centered. Caregivers are provided with the tools they need to facilitate the child’s speech and language development. The caregivers are trained in ways to interact with the child through play and daily routines in order to encourage the child’s communication skills. Compensatory strategies are also taught to help reduce frustration that may occur with communication difficulties. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language development, the earlier you seek out help for your child, the better. Please contact your medical provider for a referral to speech therapy at our clinic.
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