My child is not talking enough…

My child is not talking enough…

When I hear a parent say these words, I know that they have probably been worrying about this for a long time. It can be a difficult to know just when to ask for help with your child’s communication skills. 

Speech & Language Therapist, Thildie Peacock

Friends may be quick to reassure you that “each child develops at their own pace” or reminds you of little John who “didn’t talk until he was three” and the array of information on different websites can be confusing.

When should I be worried?
It is true that each child develops individually, and some learn to talk quicker than others. However, there are some “typical” ages when we would expect most children to have mastered specific speech and language skills.

Children need to have at least 50-100 words by age two and be putting a variety of two words together by age 2 ½, such as “big car” or “daddy’s shoe”.

Warning signs for young children:

• not understanding what you say to them, unless it is something you say often, such as “put your shoes on” or “do you want some milk?”
• using fewer words than other children of the same age and shorter sentences.
• becoming frustrated by their inability to communicate.
• finding it difficult to pay attention or listen, especially when they are busy playing.
• when their speech sounds like a much younger child, or they are so unclear only very familiar adults understand them. By pre-school age, children should be understandable even to a stranger.

A Speech and Language Therapist will be able to tell you if your child is still developing within the expected range for their age, or will need extra help. Therapy is play-based and use fun activities to boost a child’s confidence. During therapy sessions you will be shown activities and strategies to practise at home to ensure that your child can make the best progress possible.

If you would like to discuss your concerns about your child’s communication skills, I will be happy to have a chat with you to discuss if speech and language therapy may be helpful.

 Written by Thildie Peacock, Speech & Language Therapist.

Speech and language therapy is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council www.hcpc-uk.org and Thildie is registration number SL08526 under her first name of Mary.