Help! My Child Isn’t Talking Yet!

You waited for the first ‘mama’ but at her one-year birthday party, your daughter is still quiet.  You notice that your friend’s baby is asking for things and labeling everything, but your 18-month-old won’t even ask for ‘juice.’  At 2 years old, your little boy is finally saying about 10 words, but at his preschool, you’ve heard others his age use short sentences.

These are examples of language delay.  The following are typical expectations:
  

By 1 year old:

-turning to his/her name

-pointing or gesturing

-using 1 to 3 words

By 18 months old:

-following one step directions

-calling/naming caregiver (i.e. ‘mama’)

-using 3 to 20 words

By 2 years old:

-pointing to body parts or pictures named

-looking for objects you name

-using 50 words

-combining 2 words (i.e., ‘more juice,’ ‘my car’)

By 2 ½ years old:

-nodding/shaking head in response to a question

– is understood by others 50% of the time

By 3 years old:

-following 2 step directions

-using 300 words

-using 3-4 word phrases

-is understood by others 75% of the time

Some pediatricians adopt a ‘watch and wait’ approach, recommending that a child will outgrow a language delay.  This may be appropriate, but only if a child is doing the actions above that demonstrate he/she understands language well.  For example, when he/she hears the word ‘ball’, will the child look for a ball, even if it is not in sight?  If a parent has to point at the ball or use other gestures to get a child to follow directions, an evaluation by the speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) is recommended.  Additionally, any child who stops using words they have previously acquired should receive an immediate evaluation.

Also, remember that the chart above contains minimal expectations, and a child who has not met these goals for using words may need help learning to speak.  Evaluation and treatment when needed can give your child a positive early start.  Treatment can improve comprehension, increase vocabulary, build self-confidence and social skills, and better prepare a child for reading and writing.