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Early Intervention Key in Language Development
By Jennifer Newton Reents
Where to Get Help
ASHA recommends that parents concerned about a possible speech-language delay or disability consult a speech-language pathologist. The organization also recommends that parents ask the following questions when seeking treatment:
- Are you licensed?
- What age groups do you work with?
- Do you primarily work with particular speech, language or hearing disorders? What are they?
- How soon can my child be seen for an evaluation?
- Once evaluated, is there a waiting list for treatment? If so, how long is it?
- Do I need to be referred to your program by a particular source such as a community agency?
- Once evaluated, will you be able to anticipate the amount of time needed for treatment?
- How much do you charge?
- Will my insurance pay for the evaluation and for some or all of the treatment?
- If you cannot work with me, whom would you suggest I contact?
Some Tips for Parents
Hudon recommends that parents continually talk to their toddlers, pointing out planes and cars as they pass by, or talking to the child as they prepare to cook in the kitchen, such as saying, "Mommy's getting an egg out of the refrigerator," as she does so. "Always talk about what you are doing, the sounds you hear," she says.
Sometimes older siblings of toddlers will often speak for the younger child. Hudon says parents should discourage this and try to get the information the toddler is trying to communicate from him directly.
She also recommends that parents use verbal communication at all times to "talk" with their toddlers. For example, if the toddler walks up to the parent and hands the parent a cup without saying anything, the parent should ask what the child wants, not assume the child wants more milk.