Speech and language delays can differ, but often overlap. A child who is only speech delayed will communicate, but it may be hard to understand them. A child with a language delay might say words, but have a hard time combining them or communicating effectively. Both of these delays can result in frustrations that lead to behavioral issues.
To learn more about what is considered normal for receptive, expressive, social, oral motor, play and literacy, click the links below!
Click the links below to see the developmental norms for your child's age group!
FAQ's:
Q: "My child's pediatrician said it's okay and normal if my 2 year old only has 10 words." -Maria Z., NY
A: Pediatricians are not speech language pathologists and do not possess training and understanding of language development. There are some developmental pediatricians who are more well versed in language milestones, but unless they have received specialized training, they often do not know with great detail what to look for with delays. Pediatricians alone cannot diagnose speech and language disabilities and that includes oral motor issues that relate or result in expressive language delays and impairments.
Q: "What is the difference between 'speech' vs. 'language' therapies?" - Tara L., NJ
A: The difference between speech and language is that speech is verbally expressing information and includes the way we form sounds (articulation). Language is the ability to give and receive information (this includes verbal, nonverbal, and written or alternative forms of communication).
Q: "If my child understands everything I say, but cannot say it, does that mean there is a problem?" -- Sandra L., WA
A: Possibly. Sometimes children are able to 'catch up' on their expressive language, but other times, there is an oral motor or motor planning issue that is preventing them from being expressive. In that case, it may not just resolve on it's own.
Q: "My 18 month old child isn't speaking, but my pediatrician said to wait and see until after 2 years old. Can I wait a couple of months?" -- Rhea I., NJ
A: The wait and see approach may work for some, but not for others. Children who have more extensive issues that require intervention anyway waste months that they could have been working on the issue. Children grow frustrated when they are unable to communicate and that time could have been spent making progress. They are now a little further behind.
Q: "How long should I wait before starting therapy?" ---Addison B., NY
A: As soon as you notice an issue with language or speech, get it checked out by a professional speech pathologist who works with children in your child's age range. You can check out the guidelines for typical language development in the links above to see how your child matches up. Also, trust your mom gut! It's there for a reason!
A: Pediatricians are not speech language pathologists and do not possess training and understanding of language development. There are some developmental pediatricians who are more well versed in language milestones, but unless they have received specialized training, they often do not know with great detail what to look for with delays. Pediatricians alone cannot diagnose speech and language disabilities and that includes oral motor issues that relate or result in expressive language delays and impairments.
Q: "What is the difference between 'speech' vs. 'language' therapies?" - Tara L., NJ
A: The difference between speech and language is that speech is verbally expressing information and includes the way we form sounds (articulation). Language is the ability to give and receive information (this includes verbal, nonverbal, and written or alternative forms of communication).
Q: "If my child understands everything I say, but cannot say it, does that mean there is a problem?" -- Sandra L., WA
A: Possibly. Sometimes children are able to 'catch up' on their expressive language, but other times, there is an oral motor or motor planning issue that is preventing them from being expressive. In that case, it may not just resolve on it's own.
Q: "My 18 month old child isn't speaking, but my pediatrician said to wait and see until after 2 years old. Can I wait a couple of months?" -- Rhea I., NJ
A: The wait and see approach may work for some, but not for others. Children who have more extensive issues that require intervention anyway waste months that they could have been working on the issue. Children grow frustrated when they are unable to communicate and that time could have been spent making progress. They are now a little further behind.
Q: "How long should I wait before starting therapy?" ---Addison B., NY
A: As soon as you notice an issue with language or speech, get it checked out by a professional speech pathologist who works with children in your child's age range. You can check out the guidelines for typical language development in the links above to see how your child matches up. Also, trust your mom gut! It's there for a reason!
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