Identifying the Signs of Communication Disorders
Signs of Speech & Language Disorders Signs of common speech and language disorders in adults and children between birth to 4 years of age, an important stage in early detection of communication disorders: Signs of a Language Disorder • Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older) • Does not babble (4-7 months) • Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months) • Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years) • Says only a few words (12-18 months) • Words are not easily understood (18 months-2 years) • Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years) • Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years) • Has trouble with early reading and writing skills (2.5-3 years)
What Parents Can Do • Listen and respond to your child • Talk, read, and play with your child
• Talk with your child in the language you are most comfortable using • Know it is good to teach your child to speak a second language • Talk about what you are doing and what your child is doing
• Use a lot of different words with your child • Use longer sentences as your child gets older • Have your child play with other children
• Socially isolated and unhappy in school • Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes) What Parents Can Do • See a therapist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening • See a therapist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth) • Ask your therapist about the need for hearing aids or cochlear implants At Synergy Healthcare, we offer a broad range of testing and evaluation services for infants, children, and adolescents. These tests can assess whether your child’s speech and language development is appropriate for their age. We look at children’s ability to understand spoken language and to use spoken language. We may also make referrals if we suspect that your child may have a hearing loss. We offer age-appropriate tests for infants and children. From about 6 months of age and older, behavioral testing can be conducted. The testing process is safe, painless, and fast! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Know the Signs of Hearing Loss Your child may be having difficulties in communication because they’re suffering from hearing loss. Children learn to communicate by imitating the sounds they hear. If they have a hearing loss that is undetected and untreated, they can miss much of the speech and language around them. This results in delayed speech/language development, social problems, and academic difficulties. A possible hearing loss is more difficult to identify in older children, whose speech skills are already developed. Nevertheless, the following guidelines can help parents detect a possible acquired hearing loss. Signs of Hearing Loss • Lack of attention to sounds (birth-1 year) • Does not respond when you call his/her name (7 months-1 year) • Does not follow simple directions (1-2 years) • Shows delays in speech and language development (birth-3 years) • Pulls or scratches at his/her ears • Difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math
synergyidaho.com 6270N. GovernmentWay DaltonGardens, ID83815 (208) 666-0611
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