Red Flags Indicating That A Late Talker Requires Therapy
- history of repeated ear infections
- quiet as a baby
- doesn’t respond to name when called
- limited use of gestures to communicate (gesture use is a precursor to spoken language)
- limited number of sounds produced when attempting to “talk”
- difficulty with pretend play
- limited social interactions with peers
- family history of language and/or learning delays
What is considered a late talker? Red Flags Indicating That A Late Talker Requires Therapy
- history of repeated ear infections
- quiet as a baby
- doesn’t respond to name when called
- limited use of gestures to communicate (gesture use is a precursor to spoken language)
- limited number of sounds produced when attempting to “talk”
- difficulty with pretend play
- limited social interactions with peers
- family history of language and/or learning delays
How to tell if your child is a late talker?
- By 18 months: Your child doesn’t communicate nonverbally by pointing at objects, doesn’t gain new words or doesn’t have at least six words
- By 2 years: Your child doesn’t use two-word phrases or is unable to follow simple instructions
- By 3 years: Your child has unclear speech, doesn’t speak in sentences or doesn’t understand simple instructions
Is late speech a sign of autism? Late talking was historically linked with autism; in fact, language delays used to be a necessary part of diagnosis. The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) listed three domains of autism symptoms: language impairment, social impairment and repetitive behaviors.
How to help a late talker?
- Talk, talk, talk. Not sure how to talk to your tot?
- Expand your child’s vocabulary. Add to words your tot does say — if he says “ball,” comment back by saying “red ball” or “throw ball” to build on his speech.
- Ask the right kinds of questions.
- Try sign language.
- Sign up for day care or classes.
- Encourage imitation skills.
autism vs speech delay
What are the differences between speech delay and autism? Autism: Children with autism have a violation of the social interactions. They are not able to manage their social contacts through a verbal or a non-verbal (social smile, mimic, visual contact) behavior. Speech Delay: Children with speech delay are able to communicate through non-verbal behavior.
Does speech delay always mean autism? While speech delays, language delays, and learning differences are often a hallmark of ASD, a speech delay by itself does not mean a child has autism. In fact, there are key differences between communication delays caused by autism and other types of speech-language disorders.
How can I tell if my child has a speech delay? Children who have a speech delay may stutter or have trouble saying words the right way . Language refers to the meanings of sounds and gestures. Kids with language problems may have trouble expressing themselves or understanding others. Possible causes. A delay in these skills can happen for many reasons, including:
What causes a child to have a speech delay? Why Toddlers Can Have Speech Delays
- Physical Impairments. A cleft palate is one extreme example of an oral impairment that can affect speech.
- Oral-Motor Problems. Many kids with speech delays have a problem with communication in the areas of the brain responsible for speech production.
- General Developmental Delay.
- Hearing Problems.
- Ear Infections.
What is considered a late talker?
What age is a late talker? A Late Talker Is: 1 A child typically between 18 and 30 months 2 A child who understands many words and is able to follow simple directions 3 A child who engages in play and demonstrates age appropriate social skills 4 A child who does not have any developmental or physical delays such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
Do late talkers have longer language delays? So even though they didn’t have lasting language delays, they had speech production delays. Studies, such as this one by Ellis EM and Thal DJ. (2008) found that about 70-80% of children who were late talkers (purely an expressive language delay) did catch up to their peers with regards to language development, without any form of language therapy.
What does it mean when a child is late talking? This is considered an expressive language delay. Late talking children often tend to be boys (although girls can be late talkers as well). Babies born prematurely or those with a low birth weight are at a higher risk for being late talkers. In many cases, it is common to find that there is a family history of late talking or speech-language delays.
What can I do if my late talker won’t talk? If tests do indicate your late talker has a language delay or an oral-motor disorder, you can begin speech therapy as soon as possible (it’s readily available, and free, through your local school district). Early intervention can work wonders. Good luck to you both! What to Expect The Second Year, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.