Handouts for Parents
The early skills needed for normal speech and language development can be tested even in infants. Active treatment in the form of individual therapy is usually begun between the ages of 2 and 4. At that age, the speech-language pathologist works with the parents on stimulating speech and language development in the home.
Any concerns about the child’s communication skills -- at any age -- should first be discussed with the child’s doctor. The doctor will likely refer the child to a speech-language pathologist for evaluation and treatment.
These resources (available in portable document format - PDF) are meant to assist parents in the identification of skills needed for normal speech and language development and on stimulating speech and language development in the home.
- Normal Language Development (Birth-12 months): A description of the typical skills that develop at each stage of your child’s growth
- Normal Language Development (12-36 months): A description of the typical skills that develop at each stage of your child’s growth
- Language Stimulation Guidelines for Parents and Caregivers: Parents and caregivers can significantly improve a child’s language and increase the rate of language development by using some of the techniques described here.
- Speech Stimulation Guidelines for Parents and Caregivers: Children in speech therapy make much faster progress when parents work with the child at home. Techniques for working with your child at home are described here.
Cleft Lip and Palate, Resonance, and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Resources
