Are you concerned that your child is behind in their speech development or having trouble speaking? Speech problems in children are often not recognized until they reach school age but getting therapy as early as possible improves outcomes. Here are three signs that your child may need early intervention speech therapy in Glendale, AZ.
Not Babbling or Attempting to Speak
Babies should begin to babble, experiment with sounds and attempt to speak by four to seven months of age. A baby who remains quiet all the time or hasn’t progressed beyond crying and screaming is showing early signs of a language or speech disorder. If your child has passed eight months without any signs of babbling or making speech sounds, it’s time to consider an evaluation.
Doesn’t Use Gestures
Children should start expressing themselves with gestures like pointing and waving between the ages of seven months and one year. If your child hasn’t learned a few gestures by their first birthday, it’s time to consider early intervention speech therapy in Glendale, AZ. Teaching your child a few easy signs can also help develop gesturing skills.
Lack of Response to Verbal Requests
Between their first and second birthdays, children should start learning to respond to simple verbal requests like putting items down or walking to you when asked. Children who don’t respond to verbal requests may have a speech disorder, but they could also have a hearing or behavioral problem.