How do I know if my child needs to be seen by an SLP?

If you feel something is not right, follow your intuition, the earlier we are able to start working with a child who can benefit from therapy, the faster/easier the road ahead for them will be.  If you are not sure and need some guidelines to help you decide see below for some characteristics broken down by specific ages. If you are still unsure feel free to fill out the contact form and we can schedule a

FREE 15-minute phone consultation.

 

Seek an evaluation by an SLP if by:          

9 months        

• has limited or no babbling


• does not indicate when happy or upset

 

12 months      

• does not point to objects


• does not use gestures such as waving or shaking head

 

18 months      

• does not use at least six to ten words consistently 

• does not respond to “no” and “bye-bye”

 

20 months      

• does not use at least six consonant sounds 

• does not follow simple directions

 

24 months      

• has a vocabulary of less than 50 words


• has decreased interest in social interactions

 

36 months      

• strangers have difficulty understanding what the child is saying 

• does not use simple sentences

 

Other concerns:

* Is a very picky eater (willing to eat only four or five foods, gags on certain textures) 

* Shows no interest in communicating 

* Drools excessively 

* Stutters more consistently and for longer than six months