Recognizing When to Seek Help

Warning signs

While most children develop language skills naturally and efficiently, it is important to recognize when to seek professional help. The following are signs you should look for:

• Your child does not startle or cry from unexpected loud noises.
• Your child does not freely imitate sound.
• Your child appears to not hear what others say to her.
• Family members and those close to her have difficulty understanding your child.
• Your child’s communicative abilities are noticeably different than other children of the same age.

Those at higher risk

Some children are at a higher risk for language development problems than others. These include children:

• with a family history of language impairment
• born prematurely or with a low birth weight
• with a recurring middle ear infection during infancy

Preventing language disorders

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has developed the following guidelines to prevent language disorders in children:

• Avoid drinking and substance abuse during pregnancy.
• Talk and read with your child.
• Learn about typical speech and language development.
• Have your child’s hearing checked.
• Participate in early identification programs.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has developed a simple prevention quiz for parents. Answer yes or no to the following questions:

• Do you spend time talking and reading with your child?
• Does your child have regular medical and dental checkups?
• Are you familiar with typical speech and language milestones for children?
• Do you make sure your child wears a seatbelt in the car, and a helmet when bicycling, rollerblading, or skateboarding? (This refers to using a helmet to prevent head injuries, which could impair your child's ability to think and communicate)

If you answered NO to any question, you can do more to prevent speech and language disorders.