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ebruary 11, 2004Speech Delays in Young Children: When Will They Talk?Marlene Christ
SLP, Project Director, Star Net Region VI; and Educational Consultant, Infinitec Assistive Technology School Coalitions
Summary
Parents and caregivers wait anxiously for their children to speak. However, long before that first word is spoken communication is taking place. Facial expressions, gestures, sounds, and physical movement are powerful tools to convey meaning. We need to respond to these communication attempts just as we do to words to facilitate and strengthen the development of speech and language skills. After the arrival of a new baby we soon hear the difference between a cry of hunger and a cry of discomfort. We need to learn to listen and respond to these signals. Soon the baby is cooing or gurgling and experimenting with sounds. This is the first stage for speech development. There is great differentiation in milestones in speech and language development, however, some things we look for are listed.
First three months:
Cries, gurgles, grunts
Startles at loud noices
Three to six months:
Coos and squeals for attention
Watches faces and smiles
Six months to one year:
Laughs
Understands common words and gestures
Tries to say sounds and words
One year to eighteen months:
Babbles
Says words - not always clear
Turns head for "no"
Enjoys music
Eighteen months to two years:
Understands simple directions
Makes simple requests (asks for a drink, toy, food)
Puts two words together in a simple sentence (more cookie, car go, daddy home)
Two to three years:
Answers simple questions
Follows directions
Combines words in 2-3word sentences
Knows many new words
Three to four years:
Sentences are usually 3 to 4 words
Gives simple directions
Asks many questions
Tells a short story
Web Resources
- Delayed Speech or Language Development
How long should parents wait if they are concerned about a child's speech or language development? An early evaluation is important if there is a problem and reassuring if there is not.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/not_talk.html - Language Development
This fact sheet describes the stages of young children's language development from birth through age 6. The author discusses both oral and written language skills.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1529F.pdf - Language Delay
Simple speech delays are sometimes temporary. They may resolve on their own or with a little extra help from family. Sometimes formal speech therapy is needed.
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Language-Delay.aspx - Speech and Language Development
Speech is the oral part of language. Learn more about speech development.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/ - Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development
Parents can help stimulate and reinforce speech development as a child grows.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/ - How Does Your Child Hear and Talk
Every child is unique, but it can be helpful to consider the age at which most children accomplish certain speech skills.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm - Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood apraxia of speech is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the ability to sequence and say sounds, syllables, and words. The child with apraxia does not coo or babble as an infant and has trouble combining sounds.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/ChildhoodApraxia.htm
Web Sites
- American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/ - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/default.htm - Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/ - Kid Source Online
http://www.kidsource.com/ - National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/ - Language Development
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/child-development/language-development - Zero to Three/National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search the ERIC database for resources on this topic, use this search strategy: language acquisition or delayed speech. Combine with preschool children or young children.
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/basic.jsp
- ERIC Document No.: ED454998
Beyond Baby Talk: From Sounds to Sentences--A Parent's Complete Guide to Language Development
Author(s): Apel, Kenn; Masterson, Julie J.
Publication Date: 2001
Availability: Prima Publishing, 3000 Lava Ridge Court, Roseville, CA 95661
Abstract: Noting that the early years of a child's life are the most critical for speech and language development and that parents are the child's primary language role model, this book is designed to help parents become knowledgeable on the topic of child language development during the first six years. - ERIC Document No.: ED436057
Communication Interactions: It Takes Two {and} Receptive Communication: How Children Understand Your Messages to Them {and} Expressive Communication: How Children Send Their Messages to You
Author(s): Stremel, Kathleen; Wilson, Rebecca M.
Publication Date: December 1998
Availability: DB-LINK, 345 N. Monmouth Ave., Monmouth, OR 97361
Abstract: This document consists of three separately published fact sheets combined here because of the close relationship of their subject matter. Each fact sheet also includes an annotated list of suggested resources. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ595591
When a Child's Silence Isn't Golden
Author(s): Kalb, Claudia; Namuth, Tessa
Source: Newsweek, p23 Spr-Sum 1997
Publication Date: 1997
Abstract: Notes the variability in child speech and language development. Explores the debate over whether and when to intervene with children whose speech is developing later than the norm. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ522837
Using Story Reading to Encourage Children's Conversations
Author(s) McNeill, Joyce H.; Fowler, Susan A.
Source: TEACHING Exceptional Children, v28 n4 p43-47 Sum 1996
Publication Date: 1996
Abstract: The language and conversational skills of young children with delayed language development can be fostered by using specific strategies in small-group story reading, including praising children's talk, expanding children's words, asking open-ended questions, and pausing for children to initiate. Teachers are encouraged to train parents to use the same strategies at home. - ERIC Document No.: ED429406
Hearing Loss in Children: Delayed Speech and Language Information Packet
Author Affiliation: National Inst. on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders, Bethesda, MD.
Publication Date: June 1998
Availability: NIDCD Information Clearinghouse, 1 Communication Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20892-3456.
Abstract: This information packet presents materials that focus on early identification of hearing impairment in infants and young children to prevent speech and language delays.
Books
- Acredolo, Linda; Goodwyn, Susan. (2002). Baby Signs: How To Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk (revised edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Acredolo, Linda; Goodwyn, Susan. (2000). Baby Minds: Brain Building Games Your Baby Will Love. New York: Bantam Books.
- Bredekamp, Sue; Copple, Carol, Editors. (1997). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (revised edition). Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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