Parents are often concerned at different points in their children’s lives that something is developmentally wrong. “Is my child slow? Does my child have a disability? Should I see a specialist?”
These are all questions, which parents typically ask, but most frequently occur when children are very young. Parents should always feel that no question is stupid and every question deserves an answer. The issue is where do you start and whom do you ask?
For parents who are concerned about their infant, toddler and/or preschooler, the American Speech Language and Hearing Association have a number of developmental charts, which parents can print and then study. The advantage of looking at a developmental chart is that parents can compare their children’s language and communication behaviors to expected levels of development at specific ages.
Therefore, the parent who is concerned about her two-year-old who only has ten words can look at a developmental chart for comparison purposes. Many two-year-olds have a vocabulary of 100 to 200 words and are beginning to combine words to create short sentences.
Language is always combined with vocalizations and sophisticated gestures such as pointing to fill in when young children do not have the vocabulary to express their needs and ideas. What if a parent is anxious about the difference between her child and the skills described on the developmental chart?
Here, it is important for parents to understand that normal development does not have exact ages and stages. Social environments and families as well as contextual experiences are so different that children’s learning is going to be affected by his environment. There will be differences, the question is, is this a difference that signals a delay?
Most of the time a difference of three to six months does not mean that a child has a developmental delay. When parents are anxious, they should look at not only the developmental chart but how their child functions with other children, particularly in social situations.
Early childhood studies have shown that children who are exposed to their peers in playgroups, nursery school programs and daycare centers have more advanced social behaviors. If at this point parents feel that their child is not speaking, communicating and/or socializing like other children, then the first professional to speak to is the pediatrician.
With the development of the early intervention system in the 1990’s, pediatricians have become primary care providers who make referrals directly to the Department of Health for an evaluation and/or services. If the pediatrician has concerns, then she can advise parents about clinical practitioners who can appropriately evaluate a young child’s hearing, language and social skills.
Therefore, for example, if there are concerns about the child’s hearing, the pediatrician could make a referral to a local audiologist. If there is a concern about the child’s language and communication skills, then a referral can be made to an independent speech language pathologist or a local speech and hearing center. If there are behavioral concerns, then the pediatrician can identify a clinical psychologist who can evaluate the child’s social development. Usually a developmental difference of 8 to12 months signals the need for early intervention services.
So, with the first signs of anxiety parents should look for different materials such as developmental scales to help them determine if their child is developmentally different. A developmental difference is not a developmental delay since most children have different learning styles and learn at different rates.
There are also many parent friendly guidebooks, which provide valuable developmental information. If parents are still concerned, then the second step is to bring these materials to your child’s pediatrician.
Do not accept a response such as “Why are you looking for trouble?” or “Boys are slower than girls.” If that little voice inside of you is telling you that something is wrong, search for answers.
Do not under any circumstances let a professional minimize your concerns, you know your child better than anyone else. Go with your heart.
Tips for Parents:
What is Language? What is Speech?
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/language_speech.htm.
Your Child’s Communication Development: Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/communicationdevelopment.htm.
Typical Speech and Language Development https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/default.htm.
“Beyond Baby Talk: From Sounds to Sentences, A Parent’s Complete Guide to Language Development” by Kenn Apel, Phd., Julie Matherson, Phd.
“The Late Talker: What to Do If Your Child Isn’t Talking Yet” by Marilyn C. Agin, Lisa F. Geng and Malcolm Nichol.
“A Parent’s Guide to Developmental Delays: Recognizing and Coping with Missed Milestones in Speech, Movement, Learning, and Other Areas” by Laurie Fivozinsky LeCorner.
“The Portable Pediatrician: A Practicing Pediatrician’s Guide to Your Child’s Growth, Development, Health and Behavior, from Birth to Age Five” by Laura W. Nathanson.
Dr. Ellenmorris Tiegerman is the founder and executive director of the School for Language and Communication Development.
