As parents, we are aware that you may have questions concerning you child’s speech and language development. With Parent Corner, we will include posts that will begin to address your questions. We encourage you to leave questions and comments for us in the section below this post.
Who should I approach first if I feel that my child’s speech and or language is abnormal?
First, you should talk to your doctor and request a referral, he or she can help you with the process. You can also contact your insurance company to assist you. Your insurance may have a list of contacts for your needs. Our staff is also ready to assist you with a free consultation to help determine the next steps.
What is considered normal speech and language development for my child’s age? This is a complex question to answer without knowing your child. However, there are developmental milestones we reference to help answer this question. We can use milestones as a guideline to monitor our children’s development.
How can speech and or language deficits affect my child?
Speech and language deficits can result in difficulties with academic achievement, social skills, behavioral problems, and the child’s quality of life.
What can I do as a parent to help improve my child’s speech and language skills?
Playing, reading, naming things around the house, asking your child to follow directions, or asking your child questions are just a few activities to stimulate speech and language growth.
How can my child’s speech and language skills be evaluated?
Please visit a clinic and consult with a speech language pathologist. If your child is under the age of three you can get a referral from your doctor or self refer to ECI (early childhood intervention). However, if your child is over three he or she can be evaluated through the school district. Talk to your school’s referral coordinator, nurse, and/or the school’s speech language pathologist to assist you.
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information. NOTE: If you have an urgent medical need, please seek immediate medical attention.