Late talkers: When to worry and how to help
Every parent eagerly anticipates their child's first words, celebrating each milestone as they watch their little one grow. However, children develop at their own pace, and there's a wide range of "normal" when it comes to language development. In this blog post, we will explore the typical speech development stages, the unique challenges faced by bilingual or trilingual children, when it's time to seek help from a speech therapist, and how parents can support their late talkers at home.
Typical speech development stages
Speech and language development in children is a journey filled with exciting milestones. However, it's important to remember that these milestones vary from child to child. Here's a general guideline for typical speech development:
Babbling (6-8 months): Babies start babbling, producing repetitive syllables like "ba-ba" and "ma-ma."
First words (12-18 months): Most children utter their first recognisable words around their first birthday. Common early words include "mama," "dada," and simple nouns like "ball" or "dog."
Vocabulary expansion (18-24 months): As toddlers move into their second year, their vocabulary expands significantly. They start using two-word phrases like "more juice" or "big truck."
Sentences (2-3 years): By age 2, children typically construct simple sentences. For example, "I want the red ball."
Language flourish (3-5 years): In the preschool years, children's language skills undergo rapid growth. They can hold conversations, use complex sentences, and express their thoughts and feelings effectively.
It's essential to recognse that children develop at their own pace, and not all children will follow this exact timeline.
Late talkers and bilingual children
Late talking can be a source of concern for many parents, especially when their child isn't meeting the expected speech milestones. However, it's important to consider that bilingual and trilingual children often take a bit longer to develop their language skills. The exposure to multiple languages can sometimes create a delay as the child navigates the complexities of language acquisition.
Typical ages for late talking:
At 18 months, isn't using at least 50 words.
At 2 years, isn't forming simple two-word phrases.
At 3 years, is still struggling to communicate effectively and have basic conversations.
When to consult a speech therapist
If you are concerned about your child's speech development, it's advisable to consult a speech therapist. Speech therapists are experts in assessing and treating speech and language disorders. They can help determine whether your child's language development is delayed or there might be an underlying issue.
Tips to encourage speech development
While it's important to seek professional help if you have concerns about your child's speech development, there are several things parents can do at home to support their child:
Engage in conversations: Talk to your child as much as possible. Encourage them to express themselves and respond to their attempts to communicate.
Read aloud: Reading to your child is one of the best ways to expose them to a rich vocabulary and stimulate language development.
Sing songs: Singing helps children hear the sounds of words and phrases more clearly. It's also a fun and engaging way to interact.
Expand on their language: When your child speaks, repeat their words and then expand upon them with additional words and context. For example, if they say "ball," you can say, "Yes, it's a big, red ball."
Minimise screen time: Reducing screen time can encourage more real-world interactions and opportunities for language development.
Play with others: Arrange playdates with other children. Social interaction can promote language development as children communicate and engage with each other.