For new parents, watching as your child starts to talk is a one-of-a-kind experience. But for children with speech disorders, the road to communication can be much longer. Many of these families turn to speech therapy, which gives children who struggle with speech the extra support they need and helps them develop effective communication skills.
According to Maryland-based communication service center Gateway, speech therapy not only improves a child’s speaking abilities but also their self-confidence, educational performance and even their bonds with friends and family.
Be on the lookout for these signs of speech delay as your child grows, as early intervention is crucial when it comes to speech therapy.
0-12 Months
- Isn’t using gestures
- Lack of babbling
- Not smiling or playing with others
12-18 Months
- Not understanding what others say
- Limited vocabulary
- Has trouble imitating sounds
- Communicates with gestures rather than speech
18-24 Months
- Difficulty putting words together
- Can make sounds, but has trouble communicating needs
- Struggles with following directions
2-3 Years
- Does not enjoy playing with other children
- Difficulties with reading and writing
- Stutters usually develop at this age.
