Does my child need speech language therapy??
The following are general guidelines of speech and language development that could be possible "Red Flags" or "Warning Signs" of a speech-language problem.
Young Children (under 4 years of age)
Not using word combinations by 2 years
Not using short sentences by 3 years
Difficulty being understood by others
Not following simple verbal requests
Not able to answer simple who, what, or where questions
Not participating in pretend play
Preschoolers (ages 4 and 5)
Not EASILY understood by others
Inappropriate sound errors for age (appropriate errors might include difficulty with r, th, and some blends; other sounds should be correct most of the time)
Not able to hold a conversation with peers and adults
Difficulty answering questions, including how and why questions
Inappropriate grammar (should be using adult form of grammar, although simplified)
Difficulty attending to, answering questions about, or telling a story
Difficulty following multi-part verbal instructions
Difficulty using language to problem solve and form concepts
School Aged Children
Difficulty using language to reflect, evaluate, and acquire knowledge about things not directly experienced
Oral reading error, including reading incorrect words, reading word-by-word, or reading with many pauses
Reading comprehension difficulties
Poor grammar
Difficulty telling an appropriate story
Any Age Child
Hoarse voice for longer than two weeks
Child who is not nasal enough (sounds like he always has a cold) or child who is too nasal
Pitch sounds abnormal for age and sex
Child who stutters or struggles to get his words out (abnormal hesitations or repetitions/prolongations of sounds, syllables, or words)
Pathway Speech and Language is uniquely qualified to address communication, language, speech and oral motor and feeding behaviors. We are here to help families and their children who are at risk and have developmental delays or disabilities.