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Q&A

Questions and Answers

What is a speech disorder?

​​A speech disorder is a problem related to the production of sounds.

What is a language disorder?

A language disorder is a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.

How can I help my child?

If you feel that your child may have a speech and language delay, it is important to have your child evaluated by a Speech-Language Pathologist. If it is determined that your child requires speech therapy, parental involvement is crucial to the success of a child's progress. We collaborate with parents by providing them with techniques and support to reinforce the child's therapy gains beyond the therapy environment.

What kinds of speech and language disorders affect children?

​Speech and language disorders affect the way a child talks, understands, analyzes or processes information. Speech disorders can affect the clarity, voice quality, and fluency of a child's spoken words. Language disorders include a child's ability to hold a meaningful conversation, understand others, problem solve, read and comprehend and express thoughts through spoken or written words.  ​

Is my child developing speech and language at a normal rate?

​Each child is different, therefore the way in which they aquire language varies. The following list provides some general information about typical speech and language development.

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Birth-3 months

  • Quiets and smiles when spoken to

  • Makes pleasure sounds (i.e. cooing)

  • Cries differently for different needs

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4-6 months

  • Babbling sounds are more speech-like with many different sounds including p,b and m

  • Vocalizes excitement and pleasure

  • Moves eyes in direction of sounds

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7-11 months

  • Enjoys playing games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

  • Listens when spoken to

  • Recognizes words for common items like "cup" and "shoe"

  • Begins to respond to requests, such as "come here"

  • Has 1 or 2 words

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12-15 months

  • Responds to their name

  • Understands simple directions with gestures

  • Uses a variety of sounds

  • Uses some simple words to communicate

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18 months

  • Attempts to imitate words you say

  • Uses at least 10-20 words

  • Uses pretend play

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24 months

  • Uses at least 50 words

  • Recognizes pictures in books and listens to simple stories

  • Begins to combine two words

  • Uses many different sounds at the beginning of words

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2 to 3 years

  • Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time

  • Understands differences in meaning (go-stop, up-down)

  • Follows two step directions

  • Combines three or more words into sentences

  • Understands simple questions

  • Understands descriptive concepts

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3 to 4 years

  • Uses sentences with 4 or more words

  • Talks about activities at school or activities completed

  • People outside the family understand the child's speech

  • Answers questions logically

  • Tells how objects are used

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4 to 5 years

  • Answers simple questions about a story

  • Tells stories that stay on topic

  • Communicates with other children and adults

  • Says most sounds correctly

  • Can define some words

  • Uses prepositions

  • Answers "why" questions

  • Understands more complex directions

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