Are you a parent to a newly born baby? We understand that you will be very eager to find out how its developments are going. Amongst the various concerns that parents usually language delays in toddlers are a prime concern for many. As a parent, you need to note that much in line with the other skills and milestones, the age at which kids learn the language and start talking can vary. 

Understanding speech or language delays

When considering speech and language delays, you need to understand that speech and language problems differ, but at times they might overlap too. 

A child with language delays often says words well. However, they may be able only to put two words together. On the other hand, a baby with a delay in speech uses phrases and words, but they can be challenging to understand. 

Identifying the signs of speech or language delays

If you apprehend that your baby is late in speech or language, you need to assess whether they can respond to sound or can vocalize. If you find that the baby is not responding to the same, you need to consult and have them checked right away. 

The usual milestones in the first 2 Years

As already mentioned, children might develop at different rates. But at the same time, you also need to consider some broad guidelines regarding developing specific developmental skills. In addition, you must watch out for specific indications for which you need to consult a doctor. These are as follows:

·        By 12 months, the baby should be able to use certain gestures. These can be gestures like pointing or waving bye-bye.

·        If you find that even after 18 months, they still prefer gestures over vocalizations to communicate, you need to be alert.

·        Even after 18 months, if the baby has trouble imitating sounds

·        If, after 18 months still, the baby is having trouble understanding simple verbal requests

·        Even if, after reaching the age of 2 years, they can only imitate speech or actions and don't produce words or phrases spontaneously, then there is a problem. 

Know what the normal 2-year-old should be able to do:

·        The kid is usually able to speak in two-word phrases. These can be words such as “bye-bye."

·        The child usually will be able to follow two-step commands

·        Apart from this, the child usually can name simple objects

·        During this age, the child will usually have a vocabulary of 50 or more words

·        As a parent, you should be able to follow at least 50% of what they say or speak. 

General Causes of speech delays

Delay in speech might be due to 

·        an oral impairment- it can be owing to specific problems with the tongue or palate 

·        a short frenulum (the fold beneath the tongue), which can limit tongue movement

Hearing problems also might cause the problem

Once the problem has been identified, it must be addressed and treated. A speech and language therapist can help the child with the treatment.

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