How early can you start speech therapy?
As a speech-language pathologist, I have the benefit of interacting with hundreds of children and their families, and I understand the deep concern parents may feel when they notice potential signs of speech and language difficulties in their child. It’s important to know that speech therapy can start at any age, even in infancy. Early intervention is often the key to helping children overcome these challenges and thrive in their communication skills.
If you’re wondering when to consider seeking help, here are some signs that could indicate the need for early intervention:
Lack of cooing or babbling by 6 months. Babies typically start making these sounds as early as a few months old.
Limited use of gestures by 12 months. Gestures like pointing and waving are early forms of communication. You should see increased use of these gestures by the child’s first birthday.
Absence of single words by 16 to 18 months. Most children start saying single words around this age.
Difficulty understanding simple instructions or responding to their name by 18 months. Communication involves not just speaking, but also understanding. Trouble with comprehension can be a sign that warrants further attention.
Limited vocabulary or difficulty putting words together into phrases by 24 months. By age 2, children should be starting to combine words into simple phrases. If this isn’t happening, it could indicate language delay.
Persistent stuttering or unclear speech sounds. While disfluency is common in young children, persistent stuttering or speech that is consistently unclear should be looked into.
Difficulty with feeding or swallowing. Speech and feeding are closely connected. Skills that aid in feeding can often be applied to language as well. Consider seeking feeding specialist SLP.
If you notice any of these signs or simply have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right with your child’s communication skills, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. These professionals can conduct assessments to evaluate your child’s communication abilities and determine if speech therapy is appropriate.
Early intervention is crucial because it allows caregivers to address speech and language delays or disorders before they become more challenging to treat. It’s not just about catching up; it’s about setting the foundation for lifelong communication success. Additionally, early intervention provides invaluable support and guidance to parents on how to foster language development at home, making everyday interactions more meaningful and effective.
In speech therapy for infants and toddlers, we often use play-based activities that are not only effective but also enjoyable for children. These activities are designed to stimulate language development and improve communication skills in a fun and engaging way, making the therapy process a positive experience for both children and parents.
Remember, you and your child are not alone on this journey! Seeking help early can make a world of difference in your child’s communication abilities and overall well-being.