What we do
Early Detection of Communication Disorders
One of the most common concerns we hear from parents of toddlers 18 months and older, is that their child is not talking yet. Children develop at different rates, however, there are signs that may indicate there is an underlying problem. A Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) can help with language disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering (disfluency) and voice disorders and more. After assessment the SLP will recommend a tailored treatment plan based on the child’s individual needs.
Some basic signs that can help you decide whether you should seek professional help are as below
Signs of a Language Disorder
By 12 months:
- Doesn’t smile or babble
- Doesn’t look at you or show interest in what others are doing
- Does not use gestures
By 2 years:
- Doesn’t understand what others say or follow simple directions
- Says less than 10 words
- Does not know how to play with toys or use real objects
- Has trouble playing and talking with other children
Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder
By 2 years:
- Makes only a few consonant sounds
- Cannot produce more than one syllable at a time
- Produces speech more than 50% unclear, even to familiar people
Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency)
- Repeats first sounds of words like ”b-b-b-ball”
- Pauses often when talking
- Stretches sounds out like ”ffff-farm”
Signs of a Voice Disorder
- Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
- Uses a nasal-sounding voice