Early Language Learning

Speech and Language Development

There are typical speech and language milestones that children go through as they grow and learn.  When a child has trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing their thoughts, ideas, and feelings (expressive language), then he or she has a language disorder.  When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder. Language and speech disorders can exist together or by themselves. The problem can be mild or severe. (American Speech and Hearing Association).

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language, the first thing to do is to consult with a speech-language pathologist.  A speech and language evaluation would most likely be conducted to determine both communication and social needs of your child.   Once the evaluation is completed, an appropriate treatment plan that meets the needs of the child and their family will be developed.  The overall objective of speech-language pathology services is to optimize individuals’ ability to communicate in all environments, thereby improving quality of life.

To view typical speech and language milestones from birth to age five, click on the link below.

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm