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20 Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the typical age range for a child’s first words?

  • Most children say their first word around 12 months of age (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], n.d.). However, variability is common, and some children may speak earlier or later (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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2. How can I tell if my child is meeting speech and language milestones? Speech and language milestones include:

  • By 12 months: Babbling with purpose, using gestures like pointing, and responding to their name (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • By 18 months: Saying 10-20 words and understanding simple commands (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • By 24 months: Using two-word phrases and having a vocabulary of about 50 words (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • By 36 months: Speaking in short sentences (3-4 words) and being understood by familiar listeners most of the time (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

3. What are common red flags for speech and language delays? Common red flags include:

  • Lack of babbling by 12 months (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • No words by 16 months (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Difficulty understanding or following simple directions by 24 months (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Limited social engagement and communication (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Difficulty combining words by 30 months (ASHA, n.d.) Link

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4. How can I support my child’s language development at home? Research shows that parents can support language development by:

  • Engaging in frequent, responsive conversations with their child (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • Reading aloud daily and discussing the story (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • Singing songs and using rhymes (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

  • Expanding on the child’s speech (e.g., child says “ball,” parent responds, “Yes, a big red ball”) (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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5. When should I seek professional help? It is recommended to consult a speech-language pathologist if your child:

  • Is not meeting age-appropriate milestones (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Has difficulty understanding or being understood (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Shows frustration when trying to communicate (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Has a family history of speech or language disorders (ASHA, n.d.) Link

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6. What can I expect during a speech and language evaluation? An evaluation includes:

  • Parent interviews to gather developmental and medical history (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Direct observation of the child’s communication skills (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Standardized assessments to measure speech and language abilities (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • A summary of findings and individualized recommendations (ASHA, n.d.) Link

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7. How do speech and language services work? Speech and language therapy typically involves:

  • Setting specific, measurable goals based on the child’s needs (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Engaging the child in structured play and activities that target communication skills (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Regular progress monitoring and parent involvement in home practice (ASHA, n.d.) Link

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8. Can bilingualism cause speech delays?

  • Bilingualism does not cause speech delays. Children learning two languages may initially mix languages or take longer to master each language but typically develop proficiency in both. Research supports bilingualism as beneficial for cognitive development (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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9. How long does speech therapy take?

  • The duration of therapy varies depending on the child’s individual needs and goals. Regular re-evaluations help determine progress and ongoing needs. Consistency and parental involvement are key factors in success (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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10. How can I get involved in my child’s speech therapy? Parental involvement enhances therapy outcomes.

Parents can:

  • Practice communication strategies at home (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Attend therapy sessions when possible (ASHA, n.d.) Link

  • Provide feedback to the therapist about progress and challenges (ASHA, n.d.) Link

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11. What is receptive language, and why is it important?

  • Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to understand spoken language. It forms the foundation for effective communication and learning. Children typically develop receptive language before expressive language (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

12. What is expressive language?

  • Expressive language is the ability to use words, sentences, gestures, and writing to convey meaning. It allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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13. How does hearing affect speech and language development?

  • Hearing is critical for speech and language development. Even mild hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to learn language. Early identification and intervention are key (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

14. Can screen time impact language development?

  • Excessive screen time can negatively impact language development, especially if it reduces parent-child interaction. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time and focusing on interactive, language-rich activities (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

15. Are late talkers at risk for long-term language problems?

  • Some late talkers catch up by age 3 without intervention, but others may have persistent language difficulties. Monitoring and early intervention are recommended if concerns persist (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

16. What role does play have in language development?

  • Play provides a natural context for language learning. Through play, children learn new words, practice communication, and develop social skills (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

17. How can I encourage my child to speak more? Encourage language by:

  • Providing choices (e.g., “Do you want an apple or a banana?”)

  • Waiting for your child to respond before filling in the gap

  • Praising attempts to communicate (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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18. What are language disorders?

  • Language disorders occur when a child has difficulty understanding or using language. This can affect spoken, written, or nonverbal communication. Speech-language pathologists can diagnose and treat these disorders (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

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19. What is speech sound disorder?

  • A speech sound disorder occurs when a child has difficulty producing sounds correctly. This can make their speech difficult to understand. Treatment focuses on improving sound production (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

20. How do I find a qualified speech-language pathologist?

  • Look for a certified speech-language pathologist with a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. You can use ASHA’s ProFind tool to locate professionals in your area (ASHA, n.d.) Link.

 

References:

 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Speech and Language Development. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Hearing and Communication Development. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/development.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). ProFind: Locate a Professional. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/profind.

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