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Here are some signs that might indicate the need for a speech therapist's evaluation:
Determining whether your child needs speech therapy involves observing their speech and language development and comparing it to typical developmental milestones.
Here are some signs that might indicate the need for a speech therapist’s evaluation:
For Infants (0-12 months):
- Limited Babbling: Not babbling or making sounds by 4-7 months.
- Lack of Response: Not responding to sounds or not smiling and interacting with others.
For Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Few Words: Not saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by 12-15 months.
- Limited Vocabulary: Fewer than 20 words by 18 months or fewer than 50 words by 24 months.
- Difficulty Understanding: Not understanding simple instructions or questions by 2 years.
- Inconsistent Sounds: Using only a few sounds or having difficulty imitating sounds.
For Preschoolers (3-5 years):
- Unclear Speech: Speech is difficult to understand, even by familiar people.
- Limited Sentences: Not using sentences of 3-4 words by age 3.
- Grammar Issues: Frequent grammatical errors, such as incorrect pronouns or verb forms.
- Difficulty with Social Interaction: Trouble playing and talking with peers or following simple stories.
For School-Aged Children (5+ years):
- Articulation Problems: Difficulty producing certain sounds (e.g., “r,” “s,” “l”) or frequent substitutions (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”).
- Stuttering: Repeating sounds, prolonging sounds, or pausing frequently when speaking.
- Language Comprehension: Difficulty following directions, understanding questions, or grasping new vocabulary.
- Reading and Writing: Struggles with reading, writing, or understanding what they read.
When to Seek Help:
- Developmental Delays: If your child consistently misses developmental milestones.
- Frustration: If your child is frequently frustrated by their inability to communicate effectively.
- Teacher Concerns: If teachers or caregivers express concerns about your child’s speech or language development.
- Behavioral Signs: If your child shows signs of behavioral issues related to communication problems.
Next Steps:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation.
- Early Intervention: Early intervention is crucial for addressing speech and language issues effectively.
If you have specific concerns or observations about your child’s speech and language development, sharing those details can help provide more tailored advice.
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provide support for you and your family.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how Positive Behavioural Support, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy can support you and your family.
