Need 2 Know: Spotting Language Problems

SPRINGBORO, OH (WDTN) - When it comes to kids no two are alike. So, when parents notice their child may be a little behind in their developmental skills, they often tend to 'give it time.' Here's what you need to know to spot potential trouble and get your child help as soon as possible.

While playing with her 19 month old daughter, Jody Underwood realized, to communicate Emily would only point and grunt. "No dada, mama. She would occasionally do some babbling or kind of screaming or that's about it." Emily's pediatrician recommended she be evaluated at the Speech Pathology clinic at Dayton Children's Medical Center. "We like to see children early on if they have trouble with their speech and language development. There are so many things we can do to help the family, help the child." says Phyllis Throckmorton, the Rehabilitation Manager at the clinic.

Developmentally, Emily should have about a fifty word vocabulary and starting two word combinations. "If you have a child that's relying on gestures has no vocalizations what so ever, no babbling, jargon type speech, that's a red flag." warns Throckmorton.

Without therapy, speech and language problems can lead to academic difficulties, especially spelling and writing. It can also impact a child's social and emotional interaction and affect family and peer dynamics.

Emily's good comprehension skills will be a great help as she begins regular therapy sessions. It's an advantage that brings some relief to her mother. "My hope is with some continued speech therapy she will develop normal language skills and develop normal comprehension."