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Is Delayed Language Development In A Child A Concern?
Question: hi....i have 2 years old son...he says seperate words..counts to 10...knows and says the alphabets and recognizes all the letters but he does not say 2 words sentences...he is very active understands most of the orders...he is very sociable laughs like hugs and kissed...likes people in general...we speak two different languages at home..he is not in the nursery yet..maybe if he mingles with other kids,his speech improves..should i worry at this stage or should i do something?
Brief Answer:
You need to continuously involve yourself in two way interaction with him
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Although the receptive language and skills seems fine there is delay in the expressive language and that calls for early intervention. My suggestions for you would be:
Speak to your child in a clear, correct, and simple manner. Avoid using baby talk.
Make conversation with your child a two-way street. Take time each day to listen to and talk with your child.
When your child speaks to you, model good listening behavior. For example, pause an activity and make eye contact.
Encourage your child to use language (and not just gestures or actions) to express ideas, observations, and feelings.
Ask questions that require your child to make and express a choice.
Try to enrich and expand your child’s vocabulary.
Engage your child in activities and games that require listening and following directions.
Read and sing nursery rhymes with your child.
Read and tell stories that have interesting characters and easy-to-follow plots. Discuss the stories together.
Evaluate the progress with the mentioned steps. If the child picks up well, it is not a cause of concern. If not, it would be advisable to get the child evaluated by a speech and language pathologist.
I would insist you to go through the following:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
Feel free to write back.
Regards
You need to continuously involve yourself in two way interaction with him
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Although the receptive language and skills seems fine there is delay in the expressive language and that calls for early intervention. My suggestions for you would be:
Speak to your child in a clear, correct, and simple manner. Avoid using baby talk.
Make conversation with your child a two-way street. Take time each day to listen to and talk with your child.
When your child speaks to you, model good listening behavior. For example, pause an activity and make eye contact.
Encourage your child to use language (and not just gestures or actions) to express ideas, observations, and feelings.
Ask questions that require your child to make and express a choice.
Try to enrich and expand your child’s vocabulary.
Engage your child in activities and games that require listening and following directions.
Read and sing nursery rhymes with your child.
Read and tell stories that have interesting characters and easy-to-follow plots. Discuss the stories together.
Evaluate the progress with the mentioned steps. If the child picks up well, it is not a cause of concern. If not, it would be advisable to get the child evaluated by a speech and language pathologist.
I would insist you to go through the following:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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