Here are common questions parents ask about children's speech and language development >>

For Parents

1. "My two year old child isn't talking. At what age should I be concerned about his speech?"
2. "My child is attending an English speaking pre-school, but we speak Spanish at home. Will that harm my child's language development?"
3. "Our 5 year old daughter stutters occasionally and I say, "Stop, take a deep breath. Slow down." Is that good advice?"
4. "My child was developing quite normally until the age of 18 months. At that time, I notice a change in his behavior. He stopped talking, didn't look at us and seemed to be in his own world. What should I do?"
5. "Lately, I've noticed that when my little boy watches television, he turns the volume up louder and louder. Should I be concerned?"
   

1. "My two year old child isn't talking. At what age should I be concerned about his speech?"

At two years of age, children have a sizeable vocabulary and are forming two word combinations such as “want cookie” or “more juice”. If your child isn’t communicating verbally or has difficulty understanding speech, it is important to contact a speech-language pathologist in your community. This professional should have a Masters, a state license, and certification from the American-Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-SLP).

2. "My child is attending an English speaking pre-school, but we speak Spanish at home. Will that harm my child's language development?"

Being a bilingual is a real advantage in today’s world. However, it is important when speaking to your child to avoid mixing the two languages. Speak the language you are most comfortable with, but be sure to use correct grammar and speak clearly. You are a model for your child. Don’t worry -- your child will pick up English at school.

3. "Our 5 year old daughter stutters occasionally and I say, "Stop, take a deep breath. Slow down." Is that good advice?"

It would be better if you were to listen to your child’s message rather than focus on how she is speaking. You can give your child a good speech model by slowing down yourself. However, if the following occurs: the problem continues or increases; your child is embarrassed by her speech or is being teased by other children; you are extremely concerned, then you should contact a speech-language pathologist.

4. "My child was developing quite normally until the age of 18 months. At that time, I notice a change in his behavior. He stopped talking, didn't look at us and seemed to be in his own world. What should I do?"

It is very important for you to go to your pediatrician immediately. The pediatrician will examine your child and determine whether or not he needs specific testing (neurological, psychological, speech and language). The earlier you obtain help for your child the greater the gains will be.

5. "Lately, I've noticed that when my little boy watches television, he turns the volume up louder and louder. Should I be concerned?"

Yes, you should take your child to your pediatrician or an ear, nose, throat specialist for a medical examination. The audiologist is the professional who can test your child’s hearing to determine if there is hearing loss, middle ear or other problems. The audiologist should have a Masters, be state licensed, and have certification from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-Aud).