There are warning signs that that can signal a potential communication disorder.  Even if you are still unsure if your child is at risk, having your child receive a free screening can help give you peace of mind. Early intervention for speech-language therapy can begin as soon as 18 months and can improve your child’s future communication skills to give them more confidence when speaking.

The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) has compiled a list of warning signs to watch for.  

Warning Signs For Parents to Watch For in Young Children

• Does not babble (4–7 months)

• Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months)

• Does not understand what others say (7 months–2 years)

• Says only a few words (12–18 months)

• Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)

• Words are not easily understood (18 months–2 years)

• Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years)

• Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)

• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

• Repeating the first sounds of words, like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (any age)

• Stretching sounds out, like “fffffarm” for “farm” (any age)

Warning Signs For Parents to Watch For in School-Aged Children

• Has trouble following directions

• Has problems reading and writing

• Does not always understand what others say

• Is not understood by others

• Has trouble talking about thoughts or feelings

In Home Speech Solutions provides free speech and language screenings for families who are concerned about their child’s speech-language development. For more information on our free screenings, please call 813-485-4104 or visit www.speechtampa.com  Additionally, feel free to contact In Home Speech Solutions if you have questions or concerns or if there’s anything we can help with.

Jennifer Price M.S., CCC-SLP

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist & Owner

Resources:

Member Press-Release Template Speech Language in Children. American Speech Language Hearing Association. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org