Red Flags For Language Disorders
Children develop at different rates. You should trust your parental instincts and have your child evaluated by a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns. The following is a list of "red flags." Talk to your pediatrician and contact a speech-language pathologist if you notice:
- Your child is not smiling by 4-5 months
- Your child is not pointing or using gestures (i.e. waving) by 12 months
- Your child is not babbling by 12 – 15 months
- Your child is not following simple directions (i.e. 'sit down' or 'get the ball') by 18 months
- Your child is not using any words by 18 months
- Your child is not using 2-3 words together by 2 years
- Your child is not speaking in sentences by 3 years
- Your child is not able to tell a simple story by 4-5 years
- Your child does not make eye contact or show interest in interacting with you or other children
*Early intervention is crucial. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the greater chance your child has for success in achieving their fullest potential.
