As parents, it’s natural to eagerly anticipate each developmental milestone in your child's life, especially when it comes to speech and language. Sometimes, however, you might find yourself worried that your toddler isn’t talking as much or as clearly as expected. At Each Speech Pear Plum Speech Pathology, we understand these concerns deeply and are here to guide you through the early signs of being a late talker. Recognising these signs early can lead to transformative improvements with the right interventions.
Early detection and intervention are key in speech pathology, especially for enhancing communication skills in toddlers who might be late talkers. Here are five critical signs that might indicate it’s time to seek professional advice:
1. Limited Variety of Sounds
The journey to words begins with babbling. Typically, an infant will start experimenting with sound combinations around 4 to 6 months. It’s important to listen for a variety of sounds; the absence of diverse babbling by around the age of 10 months can be a sign of delayed speech development. Listen for sounds like "ba," "da," and "ga," as these are foundational to speech.
2. Limited Use of Gestures
Long before they can talk, children usually communicate through gestures. Pointing, waving, and using their hands to indicate wants or needs are all crucial stages of early communication. By 12 months, most toddlers will use gestures to complement their babbling. A lack of these gestures can be a sign that your toddler might need support in building communication skills.
3. Small Vocabulary
Around the age of 18 months, many toddlers will have accumulated a vocabulary of about 20 words, which includes both nouns and action words. However, if your child is using significantly fewer words or heavily relies on gestures alone to communicate after this age, it might be a sign that they could benefit from a speech pathology evaluation.
4. Frustration During Communication
It's not uncommon for toddlers to show frustration when they can't make themselves understood. If your child frequently gets upset, cries, or shows other signs of distress when attempting to communicate, it could indicate that they are experiencing challenges with speech and language development.
5. Difficulty Following Simple Commands
Understanding and responding to simple instructions, like "Come here" or "Please give me the ball," involves both comprehension and communication skills. If by 18 months your child struggles to follow simple commands, it might be beneficial to consult with a speech pathologist to rule out any underlying issues.
What’s the Next Step?
If you're noticing one or more of these signs, consider reaching out for a professional evaluation. At Each Speech Pear Plum, we specialise in early intervention and provide family-focused, play-based strategies that are tailored to your child's individual needs. Our approach is supportive and guided by the latest research, ensuring that both you and your child have a positive, enriching experience.
Early Family-Based Interventions
Encouraging communication development at home is also crucial and can be incredibly effective. Simple everyday interactions can significantly improve your child's speech and language skills. Talking, reading, and playing with your child daily provides them with opportunities to develop and practice these essential skills.
Remember, each child develops at their own pace, but early assessment and intervention can be key to helping late talkers catch up to their peers. Don’t hesitate—reaching out early can make all the difference.
For more information or to book an assessment, visit Each Speech Pear Plum or contact us directly. We’re here to support your child’s journey to better communication, ensuring they have the most fun along the way.
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