Signs Speech Therapy is Need for Toddlers

It may happen from time to time that toddlers do not develop certain skills the way they are expected to. Not to worry, this kind of problem can help be solved by speech therapy.

Your Child has a  Stutter

Stuttering is an occurrence where a child may not be able to complete smooth sentences. This usually starts at the age of 2 or 3 but may develop later as well. This is a strong sign that your child needs a speech therapist.

Your Toddler only says a Small Number of Words

If your toddler is only able to use a small number of words. It is estimated that children around a 1.5 years old can say over 20 words while children up to the age of 2 can use over 50 words. If it seems that your child speaks fewer words than this then you should consider the services of a speech therapist.

Your Child has Issues Articulating Certain Sounds

Further if your child is not able to produce certain sounds and has articulation problems it is also recommended you take them to a speech therapist. In this case you may notice that your child is using a limited number of sounds for all words and may also omit certain vowels and consonants.

Your Child Doesn’t Understand Simple Statements

Another situation that is possible is that your child does not under certain simple statements. It is estimated that toddlers around the age of 2 can understand up to 300 words so if you give them certain simple instructions like “do you want chocolate” or “bring me the toy” and they are not able to respond correctly that is another sign you may need a speech therapist.

Your Child is Quiet in Social Situations

One more possibility exists where your child is not speaking up in social situations. Even though children are shy certain times if they are consistently quiet at social gatherings or can not express themselves that is another sign that a speech therapist is needed.

Your Child isn’t Babbling

One more sign that your toddler is in need of speech therapy is when your child between the ages of 4 to 6 months is not babbling. This is another situation where you could seek the help of a speech therapist.

Your Child Doesn’t Engage in Group Play

Moving on do keep an eye on your child to see if they are engaging in group play or not. This is a sign that your child is on the spectrum which can lead to language and speech delays.

Not to Responding to His or Her Name

Another factor to consider is if your child is not responding to his or her name. This kind of issue can indicate that your child has issues with receptive language skills or hearing problems.

Indistinct Speaking

Indistinct speaking can occur when your child is at the age of 4 or above and people have difficulty understanding what he or she is saying. This is a clear cut sign of the need or speech therapy.

Using only One Word Sentences

If your child is communicating in one word sentences that’s one more sign of the need for a speech therapist.

Using the Same Word for Different Things

One more occurrence is when the child is using the same word for different things. This should not persist beyond the age of 12 months so keep that in mind.

Your Child Doesn’t Point or Gesture

By the age of 1 your child should be waving to people and pointing at things. A speech therapist can help figure out the possible causes if a child is not displaying this behaviour.

Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy

If the palsy effects your child’s speech muscles or mouth and speech therapy can help solve this.

Your Infant Has Down Syndrome

Speech therapy for children with down syndrome can help develop language and speech skills. Using speech therapy for down syndrome can help the child use communication methods like picture boards, sign language or electronic synthesized speech.

My Child is a Late Talker

Delayed speech is a sure shot sign of the need of speech therapy.

Your Child has Difficulty Reading and Writing

If your child says things like “the numbers wont stay still” or “the words are moving around” this is a sign of dyslexia and that can effect speech as well. So if your child has trouble writing, reading or understanding that’s one more sign you need a speech therapist.

Do monitor your child’s behaviour if you want to treat and discover potential speech disorders. If you would like to know if your child is a candidate for speech therapy do get in touch with us so we can help you ASAP.