What your child’s doctor might do
Sometimes more information is needed about your child before your child’s doctor can address your concerns. The doctor may
- Ask you some questions or ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
- Interact with your child in various ways to learn more about his or her development.
- Order a hearing test and refer you to a speech and language therapist for testing. The therapist will evaluate your child’s speech (expressive language) and ability to understand speech and gestures (receptive language).
- Refer your child for evaluation through an early intervention program.
What to expect after the doctor’s visit
- If your child’s doctor tells you not to worry (that your child will “catch up in time”) but you are still concerned, it’s OK to get a second opinion. You can ask your child’s doctor for a referral to a developmental specialist or a speech and language therapist. You may also contact an early intervention program for an evaluation if your child is younger than 3 years, or your local school district if he or she is 3 or older.
- If what your child says (expressive language) is the only delay, you may be given suggestions to help your child at home. Formal speech therapy may also be recommended.
- If both what your child understands (receptive language) and what he or she says are delayed and a hearing test is normal, your child will need further evaluation. This will determine whether the delays are caused by a true communication disorder, generalized developmental delays, an ASD, or another developmental problem.
When an ASD is the reason for language delays, your child will also have difficulty interacting with other people and may show some or all of the concerning behaviors listed previously. If there is concern your child might have an ASD, your child will usually be referred to a specialist or a team of specialists for evaluation and treatment of an ASD or a related disorder. The specialist(s) may then recommend speech therapy and may suggest other ways to improve social skills, behavior, and the desire to communicate.
Remember
As a parent, follow your instincts. If you continue to have concerns about your child’s development, ask for a reevaluation or referral for additional formal testing.
Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned on this page. Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.
Last Updated 8/24/2020
Source Is Your Toddler Communicating With You? (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics)
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.
