Let’s talk! Your child’s language milestones matter
When it comes to understanding speech and language development, online searches can be overwhelming when trying to determine if your child is age appropriate for their language skills. Advice from friends and family can also be overwhelming.
Nonetheless, as a parent, you know your child best. It is important to be proactive in seeking out early detection for a language delay and the best way to do this is by talking to your pediatrician.
“If your child is experiencing frustrations because they cannot communicate their wants and needs, chances are as a parent, you are frustrated, too,” says Jenna Szybowicz, MS, CCC-SLP/L, speech-language pathologist with Ascension Saint Alexius.
“Talk to your pediatrician about your child’s language skills and determine if a speech-language evaluation is warranted. Sometimes something as simple as modifying how you use your language will produce great outcomes with how your child uses their language,” Szybowicz said.
Understanding the various language development milestones in children is a start. Here are just a few by age.
18 months
• Spontaneously uses 25-50 words.
• Can follow a simple one-step direction.
• Begins to point to basic body parts
• Responds to their name and understands “no.”
24 months
• A huge language explosion often takes place.
• Uses approximately 200 words.
• Begins to use word combinations (“Hi mama.”).
• Understands age appropriate vocabulary — animals, body parts.
What can parents be doing at home to promote language?
• READ! Try to incorporate at least one book into your bedtime routine.
• Talk out loud: Self-narrate during routines such as diaper change, making dinner, playing with toys. This will help your child build connections between what they hear and what they see.
• Expose your child to new vocabulary in your daily routines: bath time, meal time, in the car, at the grocery store.
When in doubt, contact your pediatrician. It will never hurt to get an evaluation and receive helpful tips on how to encourage your child to use their words to communicate.
• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ascension Illinois.