Many parents I have worked with have visited their pediatrician after noticing their child was not accomplishing the language development milestones they would expect at a certain age. Too often than not, parents have been recommended “not to worry” and adopt the“wait and see approach
As a speech-language pathologists, we understand that children learn and grow at their own pace. However, certain milestones should be reached by an expected age. For example, by 18 months of age, children commonly say as many as 20 words as well as recognize names of familiar people, objects, and body parts.
Tackling speech and language delays through Early Intervention is a critical component in helping toddlers improve specific areas of difficulties. This may be attributed to the fact that children’s brains are still growing and developing, allowing them to acquire new information more easily. Without intervention, your child may be at risk of becoming further delayed.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s overall development, don’t wait! This can include speech and language, social skills, play skills, or fine/gross motor. It is always better to intervene sooner than later! Early intervention providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, special instructors) are here to work with both you and your child to improve their overall development.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s overall development, please reach out to us. We’d love to help you and your loved ones. We look forward to helping your family and child communicate more effectively!
About the author: Jayde Ragimierski, M.S. CF-SLP earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders and Minor in Deaf Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from The College of Saint Rose. Jayde provides Early Intervention Speech Therapy services to children ages 0-3 in Westchester county.
