Ask the Expert: Is my child’s language development on track? 10 things to consider

It’s normal for children to acquire speech and language at different rates — just as they learn to walk at different rates. But if you feel your child is having more trouble communicating than she should, don’t ignore your concerns. Early understanding and expression of language can affect other parts of your child’s development such as play skills, social interaction and the ability to self-regulate. When should you request an evaluation? Drs. Carol Wilkinson, of Boston Children’s Division of Developmental Medicine, and David Urion, of the Department of Neurology, offer their advice and 10 tips on things to watch for. Don’t wait too long: It’s true that children start to talk at different ages, but you should see steady progress over time. If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, don’t wait beyond the 18-month visit to bring your concerns to your pediatrician’s attention. Early intervention services, such as in-home speech therapy, are available in many states, but setting up these services takes time. Social interactions: The first form of communication for most children is social. Before six months of age, babies should be interested in their parents’ faces and have a social smile. By 1, they should respond to the sound of their name. Before speaking their first words, they should be able to point or gesture at things they want, to look at their mom or dad for reassurance and to share their joy (about a new toy, for example). ...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Parenting Carol Wilkinson David Urion Department of Neurology Division of Developmental Medicine language development speech delay Source Type: news