![]() “Why isn’t my child speaking yet?” I don’t think any parent is prepared for the number of worries that come with parenthood and developmental milestones are often at the top of the list. Even though there can be wide variability in skill levels in the first two years of life, all of a sudden hearing an 18-month-old at the library playgroup speaking in sentences may throw you in a tizzy if your 16-month-old child only has a few words or none at all. The best thing you can do is to not panic. Children start using their first words between the ages of 12-16 months and children develop at their own rate. Just as some children may start walking earlier, some children may start talking earlier. First, think about how your child communicates. Communication is about much more than just using words. How do you know when your child is hungry, thirsty, tired, or wants attention? Does your child look at you to show excitement over a toy or something in a book? Does your child readily understand new words and simple directions? The truth is, you know your child best. Sometimes pediatricians will take a “wait and see” perspective when it comes to talking. There is a wide range of normal, but you do not have to wait to seek professional advice from a speech-language pathologist. If your child is between the ages of 18 and 30 months and you have concerns that your child is not talking as much as he or she should, ease your concerns by contacting Empowered and ask to speak with a certified speech-language pathologist. Our goal is to empower parents with the information and tools you need in order to support your child at any stage of development. Kate Eichstadt M.S. CCC-SLP
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AuthorKate Eichstadt M.S. CCC-SLP Archives
March 2023
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