| Watching a toddler develop is one of the most | | | | learning disability. In some cases the child's hearing |
| awesome things a parent can experience. We | | | | or vision may be inadequate. It could be |
| marvel at their first steps and anticipate their first | | | | something such as a prolonged ear infection or |
| words. Most parents anxiously await the | | | | various other hearing impaired issues. For this |
| development of their child's vocabulary not only | | | | reason this is the first step to assessing possible |
| because it is cute, but because it gives the child | | | | speech delay. |
| the ability to express their wants and needs. It's | | | | If indeed your child's hearing is fine here are some |
| understandably concerning when your toddler | | | | other steps you should take: |
| appears to have a language delay. So the | | | | 1. Begin to talk with your child more! As you are |
| questions you should ask yourself are: Is my | | | | talking to him make sure to verbalize what you |
| toddler experiencing a speech delay or just | | | | are doing. For example say. Mommy is doing the |
| moving at his own pace? And if so, how do I help | | | | laundry, we need to get the clothes clean! |
| my child to progress at a pace that will support | | | | 2. Ask questions to encourage conversation. The |
| the stage of learning he currently needs to meet? | | | | more your child talks the more confident he will |
| Expert believe that a child develop should ideally | | | | feel with his speech. |
| fall into these categories | | | | 3. Read to your child. It not only allows him to |
| 12-15 months- child can say Mama-Dada | | | | hear words and their pronunciation and usage but |
| 18-24 months-child is able to point to and name a | | | | it is quality time together. |
| few body parts as well as name pictures of | | | | 4. Find a playgroup or daycare setting where your |
| animals and other items. | | | | child can talk and socialize with other kids his age. |
| 16-24 months- able to combine a couple of words | | | | Like with anything else repetition is key. |
| together to form short sentences. If a child | | | | 5. Don't criticize your child speech it will only |
| cannot do so by at least 24 month the parent | | | | discourage him from speaking. And if after doing |
| should consult the doctor for direction. | | | | everything you know and have researched and |
| Usually a child 2 and over can say in the | | | | you see no improvement, seek outside help by |
| neighborhood of about 50 words. | | | | getting a referral from your pediatrician. |
| If you are concerned, you should first schedule | | | | Most importantly be patient, as you probably |
| your child for a doctor's visit to insure his hearing | | | | know every child develops at a different pace. |
| vision is okay. A major oversight by many | | | | Allow your child to grow and develop naturally |
| parents is that a child may be disobedient or not | | | | while closely monitoring for possible special needs. |
| able to follow instruction due to rebellion or a | | | | |