Language Delays in Toddlers - Sparsh Segment

 

"Your baby is able to communicate with you long before they speak a single word! A baby's cry, smile, and responses to you help you to understand their needs. Learn how children communicate and what to do when there are concerns about delays in development."- Dr. Shubham Kak

Milestones during the first 2 years

Children develop at different rates, but they usually are able to do certain things at certain ages. Following are general developmental milestones. Keep in mind that they are only guidelines. If you have any questions about your baby's development, ask your child's doctor—the sooner the better. Even when there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference.

By 1 year most babies will

·         Look for and be able to find where a sound is coming from.

·         Respond to their name most of the time when you call it.

·         Wave goodbye.

·         Look where you point when you say, "Look at the _________."

·         Babble with intonation (voice rises and falls as if they are speaking in sentences).

·         Take turns "talking" with you—listen and pay attention to you when you speak and then resume babbling when you stop.

·         Say "da-da" to dad and "ma-ma" to mom.

·         Say at least 1 word.

·         Point to items they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing.

Between 1 and 2 years most toddlers will

·         Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, and then later with words alone.

·         Get objects from another room when asked.

·         Point to a few body parts when asked.

·         Point to interesting objects or events to get you to look at them too.

·         Bring things to you to show you.

·         Point to objects so you will name them.

·         Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.

·         Enjoy pretending (for example, pretend cooking). They will use gestures and words with you or with a favorite stuffed animal or doll.

·         Learn about 1 new word per week between 11/2 and 2 years.

By 2 years of age most toddlers will

·         Point to many body parts and common objects.

·         Point to some pictures in books.

·         Follow 1-step commands without a gesture like "Put your cup on the table."

·         Be able to say about 50 to 100 words.

·         Say several 2-word phrases like "Daddy go," "Doll mine," and "All gone."

·         Perhaps say a few 3-word sentences like "I want juice" or "You go bye-bye."

·         Be understood by others (or by adults) about half of the time.

When milestones are delayed

If your child's development seems delayed or shows any of the behaviors in the following list, tell your child's doctor. Sometimes language delays occur along with these behaviors. Also, tell your child's doctor if your baby stops talking or doing things that he or she used to do.

·         Doesn't cuddle like other babies

·         Doesn't return a happy smile back to you

·         Doesn't seem to notice if you are in the room

·         Doesn't seem to notice certain noises (for example, seems to hear a car horn or a cat's meow but not when you call his or her name)

·         Acts as if he or she is in his or her own world

·         Prefers to play alone; seems to "tune others out"

·         Doesn't seem interested in or play with toys but likes to play with objects in the house

·         Has intense interest in objects young children are not usually interested in (for example, would rather carry around a flashlight or ballpoint pen than a stuffed animal or favorite blanket)

·         Can say the ABCs, numbers, or words to TV jingles but can't use words to ask for things he or she wants

·         Doesn't seem to be afraid of anything

·         Doesn't seem to feel pain in a typical fashion

·         Uses words or phrases that are unusual for the situation or repeats scripts from TV

Delays in language

Delays in language are the most common types of developmental delay. One out of 5 children will learn to talk or use words later than other children their age. Some children will also show behavioral problems because they are frustrated when they can't express what they need or want.

Simple speech delays are sometimes temporary. They may resolve on their own or with a little extra help from family. It's important to encourage your child to "talk" to you with gestures or sounds and for you to spend lots of time playing with, reading to, and talking with your infant or toddler. In some cases, your child will need more help from a trained professional, a speech and language therapist, to learn to communicate.

Sometimes delays may be a warning sign of a more serious problem that could include hearing loss, developmental delay in other areas, or even an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Language delays in early childhood also could be a sign of a learning problem that may not be diagnosed until the school years. It's important to have your child evaluated if you are concerned about your child's language development.