DON’TS
- DON’T compare siblings to each other. An older child may have been advanced for his or her age, resulting in concern when the second child is developing in a typical way. Again, look more broadly to expected developmental language milestones.
- DON’T place blame. Parents don’t cause speech and language disorders. It is inaccurate and hurtful to tell a parent he or she should have done something differently.
- DON’T give labels. Do not try to diagnose the child. Instead, describe what you see. Leave a diagnosis to a speech-language pathologist, who is specially educated for identifying communication disorders. Share what the child does well also (e.g., “I know Sarah uses a few single words, and I was curious when she should starting putting multiple words together.”)
- DON’T assume treatment is too expensive. Services may be free through the state’s early intervention program or school system, offered on a sliding scale, or may be covered in part or full by insurance. There are options for families.
- DON’T “wait and see” if the child outgrows the problem. This is probably the most important point. Speech and language delays are highly treatable. The best outcomes occur when a child is seen by a professional early. Ideally, children will be treated long before entering kindergarten—and even before age 3, when children are in their most rapid period of development. Acting early can improve academic and social success, so speak up early.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) Consumer Action Center at 800-638-8255 or contact the ASHA National Office.
Additional Information:
- Assessing Developmental Delays
- Language Delays in Toddlers: Information for Parents
- What are the Early Signs of Autism?
- Concerned About Development? How to Talk with the Doctor (PDF) (CDC.gov)
- Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC.gov) – Aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.
Last Updated 5/1/2018
Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
