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Is my child’s speech delayed?

Each child is unique and develops at their own pace. Seek help if your instincts tell you to. It is okay if your child needs a little boost!

As parents, we constantly monitor our child's development, eagerly awaiting their first words and milestones. It's natural to compare their progress with that of other children their age, and sometimes we may wonder if our child is experiencing speech or language delays. First things first, the very first thing you should understand is this: you are not alone with this concern.  In this blog post, we'll discuss speech and language milestones, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when necessary, all with the empathetic understanding that every child develops at their own pace.

Awareness and Education 

When it comes to the growth and development of your child, it is crucial to be attentive to their speech development. 

While each child progresses at their own pace, it is very important to recognize potential signs of speech delay and take appropriate action to seek help. By staying aware and proactive, you can provide the necessary support to help their growth and development.

Understanding what is considered to be the standard for speech and language development can give you some insight into what to pay attention to as your little one grows. It is imperative to understand that the standard guidelines for speech milestones were set with purpose. If there is a delay outside of the standard, it is cause for concern and should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Speech Milestones and Timelines

Understanding typical speech and language milestones is the first step in identifying potential delays. 

By monitoring your child's progress and comparing it to established norms, you can gain insights into their development. For example, by 12 months, a child should babble and respond to simple words or gestures. By 2 years, they should start combining words into simple phrases. Familiarizing yourself with these milestones will enable you to notice any abnormalities from the expected trajectory. We created a list of milestones that you can download HERE!

If your child's vocabulary is notably smaller than that of their peers or if they encounter challenges in expressing themselves effectively, it is important to pay attention. Take notice if they experience difficulty in finding words, forming sentences, or expressing their thoughts and emotions. Speech delays may become apparent through a limited range of words or delayed development of more ‘complex’ language structures.

When Should I Seek Help?

Every child grows and learns at their own speed, but if you notice significant delays in your child's speech and language milestones, it's important to consider getting help from professionals. These delays could be a sign of underlying difficulties, and seeking assistance from experts like speech therapists or child development specialists can offer important guidance and support.

Early intervention and support can make a big difference in helping your child overcome challenges and give them the guidance they need to develop strong communication skills. Educating yourself on what is considered the standard for speech milestones is extremely important. This will provide you with the confidence to seek help should you notice a delay in your child’s speech development. It's always better to address potential difficulties early on and provide your child with the support they need to thrive! Learn what the signs of speech delay are.

Collaborate With Professionals 

It can be easy to feel responsible for your little one’s speech delay. It is important to understand that you are not at fault! That is a heavy weight to carry. It’s okay to put that down. How you respond after noticing these delays is extremely important. 

Collaborating with professionals is one of the biggest ways you can help your child thrive with their language. Professionals specializing in speech and language development have the knowledge and expertise to assess your child's needs accurately. They can provide guidance based on their training and experience, helping you understand the underlying causes of speech delay and the most effective strategies for improvement.

This partnership not only benefits your child's development but also provides you with the tools, resources, and emotional support needed to navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes along the way.

Key Takeaways 

If your little one is appearing to be behind with their speech development, we encourage you to breathe! There is help for your child, and resources for you as parents to help guide them. The Mondy’s Mission Team is excited to be able to provide a supplemental resource while on this speech development journey! Stay tuned for what’s ahead, this is going to be an amazing journey for all of us!

Click HERE to pre-order our bundle featuring a copy of Mondy’s Mission: Under The Sea along with a printable activity workbook!