toddler talking

Rita - posted on 02/14/2012

Hi Maria, I am a Speech and Language Pathologist. I saw your posting and wanted to comment on it:-) The first important point is that you sound worry about your child's language (use of words) development. If you are worry, the right thing to do is to get your child evaluated by speech pathologist. In my 11 years of experience, parents are the best primary source to identify delays in language and speech!

About the language and speech skills of a three year old- lots of things are expected at this age!! They should be able to understand directions and concepts as well as to identify vocabulary and object's use. They also should be able to combine words consistently to communicate wants and needs. By three children should answer simple, basic questions using words! Speech should be approximately 70-75% intelligible. The school district offers evaluations for children by the age of three. However, I can tell you (I worked there!) that the process is often takes a long long time (several months!). If you have good medical insurance you can see if your insurance can cover your speech and language evaluation and treatment. Hospitals often offer great services (often in their rehabilitation center)! Private practices are good too- BUT, be careful as some may practice under the priority of making money.

Talk to your pediatrician and ask for an speech and language evaluation (your peace of mind is very valuable). If you can ask the pediatrician to write "language disorder or speech-language impairment" rather than "language delay" in the prescription. Medical insurances are particular about the diagnosis (it may change what it covers!) Lastly, remember-- early intervention is highly recommended to achieve success!

Hope this helps!

Kassondra - posted on 02/13/2012

One way 2 help is 2 tlk 2 him like he is 5 or 6 no baby tlk (eat-eat, Cup-cup). Da more u tlk normal 2 him da more he learns. and at dat ager its still kinda ok as long as those around him everyday can understand u r ok. Whn he says a wrd wrong correct him and try 2 get him 2 repeat it correctly, well as gud as u can get him 2 say it. Cuz my girls r 4 and 6 my oldest went 2 speech and these r so of da thing her speech therapist had me do 4 my youngest whn i had concernces. And now she is fin and her speech is much better. Gud luc!!!!!!

Rebekah - posted on 02/13/2012

YES! Children should be saying a few words by 2 but combined sentences will/should develop by 3. If there is any speech delay it could be for several reasons, hearing being a main contributor. I have been fortunate to have had the education and resources available to get my son tested before he was 2 but the process of getting him to a specialist took forever. Just before he was 2.5 he got tubes in his ears and we got him in speech therapy. He just turned 3 and his speech is coming along but he sees a therapist once a week and still struggles with some language. I can understand alot but he sometimes will talk EWOK talk and I yearn for the day when I can understand everything he says. Hope this helps & please push and seek all the services. They are out there & if you qualify there is help but it is crutial to development to not delay. My son has and still is developmentally behind but I am on top of it and know that because he is delayed it is affecting his social and emotional development as welll. Good luck!

Christy - posted on 02/12/2012

My son, now 4 1/2 was in the same boat. I had him evaluated and he qualified for our local pre school through the local school district to get "caught up" for kindergarten. He has since caught up and is no longer in therapy. See if there is a program through your local school district. My son received not only a Pre K education, but OT and speech therapy while there until he placed out.

Janice - posted on 02/11/2012

Are you in the US? If so you can have your son evaluated for free through your states Early Intervention program. At almost three your son should have over a hundred of words and be speaking in short sentences. Also if he is speaking but his articulation is extremely poor - sound like babbling, not actual words- than he would most likely qualify for services for that too.

Jenni - posted on 02/11/2012

You said he's not talking and then that he babbles more than he talks. Is he not talking *at all*? Or is it that he just isn't clear? Does he form sentences? Know approximately 100-300 words?



While it is normal to fill in the blanks with babble at this age, not speaking at all, not forming short sentences (3 words). Should be brought to the attention of his pediatrician.



If it's that he's not very clear. This can be normal for his age. Some kids are clear as a bell, others struggle a bit more with pronunciation. Although speech therapy never hurts. It's generally not too much to be concerned about until preschool because some children will clear up on their own before then. Speech therapy is usually offered through the school and minor speech issues are usually easy to clear up.



It would be a concern if he is experiencing any other abnormal behaviour or behind in other developmental areas, in addition to speech. There's also always the chance it could have to do with his hearing.

Brittney - posted on 02/11/2012

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/be...

I found this article to be helpful.