Language is made up of socially shared rules that include what words mean, how to make new words, how to put words together, and what word combinations are best in what situations. Speech is the actual verbal means of communicating. Language and speech disorders can exist together or by themselves and the problem can range from mild to severe.
Here is some information that may be helpful regarding normal speech and language development. How can you help your young child's speech and language development at home? MAKE SURE YOU CREATE A HOME ENVIRONMENT THAT IS LANGUAGE RICH. HOW? By creating a home where your child is surrounded by talk and has plenty of opportunities to communicate with others. Here are some wonderful links for tips to get you started on the website created by Robert Kurtz, CCC/SLP, at www. speech-language-development.com. * TURN OFF THE TV http://www.speech-language-development.com/educational-TV.html * TALK, THEN TALK SOME MORE http://www.speech-language-development.com/music.html * SING AND RYHME http://www.speech-language-development.com/music.html * GET OUT THE TOYS AND PLAY- NO BATTERIES, PLEASE! http://www.speech-language-development.com/play-therapy.html * GET OUT THOSE BOOKS http://www.speech-language-development.com/reading-books.html * ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY WITHOUT QUESTIONS http://www.speech-language-development.com/asking-questions.html * RESTATE http://www.speech-language-development.com/child-language-development.html * EMPHASIZE SPECIFIC LANGUAGE TARGETS http://www.speech-language-development.com/focused-stimulation.html * USE BABY SIGN LANGUAGE http://www.speech-language-development.com/baby-sign-language.html |
HOW DOES YOUR CHILD HEAR AND TALK? Are they where they should be in regards to speech and language development or should I be concerned? The American Speech Language Hearing Association(ASHA) provides excellent answers.
Your child's communication skills begin to develop long before they speak their first word. If your child has been identified with a speech and language disorder, the earlier you seek help, the more successful they will be with schoolwork and with interpersonal relationships. Below, you will find direct links to ASHA's website listing developmental milestones from birth to five years of age. - Birth to one year: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/01.htm - One year to two years: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/12.htm - Two years to three years: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/23.htm - Three years to four years: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/34.htm - Four years to five years: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/45.htm PLEASE NOTE: Not every child develops language at the same rate. This information is meant as a guide for when most children who speak one language will meet these milestones. Children will not usually master all items in each category at the same time. Just because your child has not accomplished one skill within an age range does not mean your child needs therapy. ___________________________________________________ |