Understanding Speech and Language Milestones
Speech and language developmental milestones are great pointers for both professionals and parents. I refer to them often during evaluations and while brainstorming goals for the child’s plan of care. Milestones are a great source of information but hear me out– it is not the end all be all when it comes to overall language development. Sometimes a quick Google search for developmental milestones can turn into this overwhelming and worrying experience for parents when at times it doesn’t have to be. I am here to give you some ideas and pointers to think about when you have your sweet little and those language developmental milestones in front of you:
Speech and language milestones are not set in stone rules: when you read them remember that YES, a lot of children are demonstrating those skills but certainly NOT ALL children are. Please don’t panic!
My child is demonstrating some of these milestones (yay!!) but not others on the list: If your little one is demonstrating several skills in the age range expected however, not yet demonstrating a few, GIVE SOME WIGGLE ROOM. Let’s clarify this further, when I say, “wiggle room” I am not referring to the “Wait and See Approach” (refer to my previous blog) as this has been debunked by research.
Let’s look at an example, if a child (23 months old) is meeting 8/10 of the developmental milestones that emerge between 18-24 months, give it some time (maybe 1-2 months) and focus on ways to facilitate the skills that are not yet there (more to come on this on other blogs!!) Remember that your little one is developing in other areas including motor, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Speech and language development is one piece of a big, beautiful puzzle!
Use milestones as an informational tool and a guide: Think of milestones as a roadmap with many different stops. Some of those stops are going to take longer than others, right? Milestones should help you (parents/caregivers) understand what areas may need more focus, attention, and more proactiveness. Focus on those areas during daily routines, by changing activities, introducing novel toys, limiting screen time, etc., Here is a list of language facilitation strategies and verbal routines that may help you get started: Verbal Routines — United Therapy Connections - Speech and Language Therapy
How Do I know when it is time to reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist: This list of developmental milestones is in front of you and you are carefully reading it and come to the conclusion that your little is not demonstrating the many and/or majority of the milestones on that list. Follow your gut and set up a consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist. Some of them offer complimentary consultations.
It is my hope that after reading this you have a better understanding of the importance of milestones and its use. Now you have this beautiful road map and you may have a better idea on which stops need more attention and intention! Empowering families by educating them to feel more confident in making educated decisions about their child's speech and language development is one the parts I enjoyed the most about my job!
