A late talker is a toddler who has few words but is developing fairly well in other areas. Find out how to tell if your child is a late-talker (PDF).
As children develop speech and language and start to talk in sentences, they may repeat sounds at the beginning of words or repeat parts of words. This is normal dysfluency. It may appear between 2 ½ and 4 years of age and could last up to three months. However, some children continue to have difficulty with hesitating, repeating sounds and words, or getting stuck on words and these children may require help.
Speech sounds develop in a particular order from easier sounds at the beginning to more difficult sounds later. Knowing when sounds should be emerging will help you know if and when you should have your child seen by a speech-language pathologist.
How children interact with adults and other children is just as important as what they say and how clearly they say their words. Social communication involves many different skills including how a child takes turns, uses gestures, uses eye contact, plays with others, pays attention to what others are doing and saying, and has conversations.
What is social communication and why is it important? |
This information is used with permission from Language Express Preschool Speech and Language Program.
When we have a conversation there is a lot more to it than just saying words. We look each other in the eye, we take turns, we read facial expressions and body language, we pay attention to what our communication partner is paying attention to, and we stay on topic. We can read a lot from a person's tone of voice as well. When a child is having trouble learning about social communication, it is harder to learn language, to join in conversations, and to play with other children. Your Speech-Language Pathologist can work with you to help develop your child's social communication skills. Social communication difficulties can be associated with other developmental concerns. We recommend that you talk to your family doctor if your child loses social skills or language skills, or if your child does not:
|
Helping your child develop social communication skills |
This information is used with permission from Language Express Preschool Speech and Language Program. Day to day interaction and play will develop children's social skills naturally. It takes time to learn the rules of interaction, but there are activities parents and caregivers can do which will help children understand the rules. Eye contact:
Turn-taking:
Games to help develop turn-taking skills:
Listening skills:
Shared attention:
Body language and gestures:
|
Sometimes children have an unusual voice quality. They may sound hoarse, husky, or stuffed up as if their nose is plugged. A speech-language pathologist will listen to your child's voice quality. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. A visit to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT Doctor) may be recommended.
When should I be concerned about my child's voice? |
This information is adapted with permission from Markham Souffville Hospital Child Development Program. If you child's voice sounds are:
If your child is:
|
What can I do if I am concerened about my child's voice? |
This information is adapted with permission from Markham Souffville Hospital Child Development Program.
|
How does a Speech-Language Pathologist help with voice concerns? |
This information is adapted with permission from Markham Souffville Hospital Child Development Program
|
Learning two languages can happen at any age. Babies are born ready to learn more than one language and there are many effective ways to help your child learn languages.
The resources are available in other languages through Best Start.
To make a referral to Early Expressions Preschool Speech and Language program, complete our online referral form.
Referrals can also be made by phone at 613-546-3854 or 1-800-267-7875 ext. 1105.
Adapted with permission from the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board -Staff Development, Evaluation and Research Department.