Children  learn languages at different rate even though they need to follow a certain timeline.  If you have any questions about your child’s development, talk to her doctor. The sooner you do, the better. Even where there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference.

By 1 year old, most babies will

• wave goodbye
• look for and find out where the sound is coming from
• respond to their names most of the time
• look where you point when you tell them to look
• say da-da to dad and ma-ma to mom
• listen and pay attention when you talk to her and resume babbling  when you stop talking
• say at least 1 word
• point to items that are out of reach when they want something and make sounds while pointing

Between 1 and  2 years, most toddlers  will

•  follow simple commands , first when an adult speak with gestures and later with words alone
• point to a few  body parts
• get an object from one room when asked
• bring things to show to you
• point to interesting objects and get you to look at them
• point to objects so you will name them
• name a few common objects and pictures when asked
• enjoy pretending such as pretending to cook.
• learn one new word per week between 1 1/2 and 2 years

By 2 years of age , most toddlers will

• point to many body parts and objects
• point to some pictures
• follow one step command without gestures
• be able to say 50 to 100 words
• say several 2 word phrases like “mommy come”, “daddy go”
• say a few 3 word phrases like ” i want juice”
• be understood by others ( or adults) most of the time

Language delay in toddlers

Language delay is the most common type of developmental delays. Some kids may exhibit behavioral problems because they are frustrated that they cannot express themselves. Simple speech delays  are temporary. They may resolve on their own with help from the family. It is important for you to encourage your child to “talk” to you. You should also spend a lot of time  playing with, reading to and talking with your child. In some cases,  your child may need some help from a trained professional such as language and speech therapist to learn how to communicate.

How your child’s doctor can help

Your child’s doctor will need more information to be able to address your concerns. The doctor may

• ask you questions  in the form of a questionnaire
• interact with your child in various ways to learn about his or her development
• order a hearing test and refer you to a speech and language therapist for testing
• refer your child for intervention through an early intervention program

After evaluation , if only your child’s expressive language (what your child say) is delayed,you will be given suggestions to help your child at home. Formal speech therapy may also be recommended.

If both receptive language ( what your child understands) and expressive language are delayed, your child will need further evaluation. This will determine if her problem is caused by true communication disorder , generalized developmental delay ASD or another developmental  problem.

If an ASD is the cause of your child’s delay, she will be referred to a specialist or a team of specialist to be evaluated and treated for ASD or a related disorder. The specialist may also recommend speech therapy  or suggest other ways to improve your social skills, behavior and desire to communicate.

Programs that may help your child

If your child has delays or is suspected to have any delays, she may be referred to an early intervention program in your area. She will receive further evaluation to determine the which program she will benefits from.

If your child is younger than 3 years, she will be referred to an early intervention program in your area. This program is sometimes “Part C” or birth to three  program. This is a federal and state funded program that helps children and families.

If the child qualifies, she will be referred to a team of specialists who will develop an Individual Family  Service Plan IFSP . This will be the guide for services until the child is  3 years old.

If your child is older than 3 years , she will be referred to your local public school. If she qualifies, she will be put in an Individual  Education Plan IEP. If your child continues to need special services, IEP will be reviewed and revised from time time.
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