Early Language Delay
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) one in every seven children in the United States has some sort of speech delay. That’s a lot of kids! And while some delays are due to hearing loss or other issues, many are simply the result of a late start to talking.
This is where early language delay speech therapy comes in. Often times with some speech therapy as an intervention, many toddlers can catch up to their peers and meet those developmental milestones. Parents often say "They used to not be able to talk and now I can't get them to stop!" Increasing a child's early language skills is important to help them communicate with the world around them and reduce their frustration.
If your child is struggling to be understood, Chit Chat Speech Therapy can help. We offer speech therapy services in the Twin Cities metro area for early language delay that can make a world of difference. Let's take a closer look at what an early language delay is and how our speech therapy services can help. Call or text 763-280-3202 or email info@chitchatmn.com or fill out our contact form.
When should my child start talking?
90% of children say their first word by the age of 1 year. The first word is a word other than "mama/mom, daddy/dada, uh-oh, or other noises. By the age of 2, a child should have 50 words that they use on a regular basis in a meaningful way and they should begin using two words to form a sentence "More play," "help me," "mommy silly," etc. If your child is 2 years old and has fewer than 50 words and is not using sentences or words frequently to communicate, you may want to reach out to a speech therapist regarding your child's language development.
What are the signs of a language delay?
The most common signs of a language delay are:
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Using less than 50 words by age 2
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Not saying sentences by age 2
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Not responding to their name when called
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Lack of eye contact, especially when you're pointing something out to them
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Not using as many words as same-age peers
How do you do therapy with toddlers?
Most of our therapy during the toddler stage is play-based. Chit Chat Speech Therapy comes to your home and brings some toys of our own while mainly using toys in your home. This way, your child is already familiar with the toys and the therapist can easily join in the play! We work on increasing their vocabulary during play and also getting the child to attempt more words, sounds, and sentences.
How do I know if my toddler needs speech therapy?
If some of the early language delay symptoms sound like your child, it would be worth getting into contact with Chit Chat Speech Therapy so they can determine if therapy is an appropriate option for your child. A lot of toddlers learn a lot during speech therapy and many of them catch up to their peers' language skills before they reach kindergarten, sometimes even sooner. Every child is unique, and so is their therapy program.
How long does speech therapy take?
There is no set time limit on how long speech therapy is needed. It all depends on the child's needs and abilities. Speech therapy always has more progress the more the family is involved and is working with the child when the therapist is not present. That's why Chit Chat Speech Therapy does parent training, so YOU can learn how to help your child too!
Contact Speech Therapist for Early Language in Minnesota
You want the best for your child, and you've been told that speech therapy might be a good idea, but you're not sure where to start, or what the next step should be. Chit Chat Speech Therapy can help! We provide speech therapy services for children of all ages in a fun and supportive environment in your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your child reach their full potential.
