Q: What are some milestones parents should be looking for in order to ensure their child is developing appropriately?
A: There are several milestones for speech development that parents should look for. By 6 months, babies should be babbling and making consonant sounds. By 1 year, babies should be saying a few words, such as "mama" and "dada." By 2 years, toddlers should exhibiting an increased vocabulary of around 150-300 words and be using two-word phrases, such as "me go" or "big dog." By 3 years, children should be using three-word phrases and have a vocabulary of around 900-1,000 words.
Q: What are some common speech development myths you have come across as an SLP?
A: There are many myths surrounding speech development that parents should be aware of. One common myth is that bilingualism can delay a child's speech development. Research has shown that bilingual children develop language skills at the same rate as monolingual children and exposure to multiple languages actually increases brain plasticity later in life. Another myth is that late talking means a child will have speech problems later in life and may have difficulty in school. This is incorrect because with the proper intervention, many late talkers go on to have normal speech development and thrive in the school environment.
Q: My child is diagnosed with ASD and an intellectual disability, I am on the fence about getting him an AAC device because I am afraid this will replace speech all together and I would like my child to communicate verbally as much as possible. Can you explain what the benefits would be?
A: I completely understand your concerns about introducing an AAC device to your child, however, I would like to emphasize that AAC devices are not intended to replace speech, but rather to provide additional support for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally. AAC devices can come in many forms, including picture exchange communication systems, communication boards, and speech-generating devices. These devices are designed to facilitate communication and allow individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves in ways that may not be possible through verbal communication alone.
The benefits can include improved communication, increased independence, and enhanced social interactions. With a device, your child may be able to communicate their wants, needs, and ideas more effectively, which can reduce frustration and promote a sense of autonomy.
Q: How can I tell if my child is having difficulty with feeding or swallowing?
A: Signs that your child may be having difficulty with feeding or swallowing include coughing or choking during meals, taking a long time to eat, avoiding certain foods, and complaining of pain or discomfort while eating.
Q: What can I do to encourage my child's speech and language development?
A: Some ways to encourage your child's speech and language development include talking to them frequently, reading books together, playing games that involve language, and modeling correct speech and language. There are also some helpful strategies you can learn to implement in the home with the help of an SLP. It's also important to provide a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable communicating.
Q: I have noticed my child frequently repeats things that are said to him. At times even when he is asked a question, rather than responding, he repeats the question. I know that a sign of Autism can be echolalia so I was wondering if this is an indicator my child might have ASD?
A: Echolalia is the repetition or echoing of phrases or words that are heard by the child. This can also be known as "automatic" repetition. Although it can be an indicator of ASD, echolalia does not necessarily indicate that your child has Autism. It may be a way your child is trying to give themselves time to formulate an answer, or learn a new word or phrase, or it can be an indicator of a language processing delay or disorder. The best thing to do is to have your child evaluated by a developmental pediatrician to rule out an ASD diagnosis and move forward from there!
Michelle Mikviman MS CCC-SLP
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