Navigating Your Child’s Communication Journey
As a parent, you celebrate every milestone, from the first smile to the first step. Hearing your child’s first words is an especially magical moment. But what happens when their speech and language development doesn’t seem to follow the typical path? It’s natural to feel concerned. While every child develops at their own unique pace, there are certain milestones that can serve as a guide. Understanding these can help you identify potential issues early and seek the right support.
For many families in Boise and across the Treasure Valley, identifying the root cause of a speech delay can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the challenge isn’t just about forming words; it can be connected to underlying oral motor function, breathing patterns, or even feeding habits. Recognizing these connections is the first step toward comprehensive and effective support for your child.
Understanding Key Speech and Language Milestones
By 12 Months
- Uses gestures like waving and pointing.
- Responds to their name.
- Babbles with changes in tone (e.g., “babababa,” “mamama”).
- Says one or two words, like “mama” or “dada.”
By 18 Months
- Can say several single words.
- Points to show what they want.
- Follows simple one-step commands.
- Recognizes familiar objects and people.
By 2 Years
- Uses simple two-word phrases (e.g., “more milk”).
- Has a vocabulary of 50+ words.
- Can be understood by familiar listeners most of the time.
- Points to pictures in a book when named.
Common Red Flags That May Signal a Need for Evaluation
Watching for milestones is helpful, but specific challenges can also be indicators. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to consult with a specialist:
- Limited Vocabulary: Seems to have a much smaller vocabulary than peers.
- Difficulty Being Understood: By age 3, strangers should understand about 75% of what your child says. If they are consistently hard to understand, it could signal an articulation issue.
- Trouble Following Directions: Difficulty understanding simple requests that aren’t accompanied by gestures.
- Frustration with Communication: Your child becomes visibly upset or gives up when trying to communicate their needs.
- Leaving Off Sounds: Consistently dropping the beginning or ending sounds of words (e.g., saying “ca” for “cat”).
- Struggles with Feeding: Picky eating, difficulty chewing, or pocketing food can be linked to the same oral motor weaknesses that affect speech. Our feeding therapy programs often work hand-in-hand with speech development.
Did You Know?
Approximately 1 in 12 U.S. children ages 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past 12 months, according to the NIDCD.
Early intervention is key. Children who receive speech therapy before age 5 often have better outcomes than those who start later.
Beyond Words: The Link Between Oral Function and Speech Clarity
Clear speech requires precise coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate. When the underlying structure and function of these muscles are compromised, it can directly impact a child’s ability to form sounds correctly. This is where an integrated approach becomes so important.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we look at the bigger picture. A speech issue is often a symptom of a deeper challenge. For instance:
- Restricted Tongue Movement: A condition like a tongue-tie can physically prevent the tongue from reaching the positions needed for certain sounds. An infant tongue-tie release can be a crucial first step for some children.
- Improper Tongue Posture: If a child’s tongue rests low and forward in the mouth, it can lead to lisps and distorted speech sounds. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy helps correct these postural habits.
- Mouth Breathing: Chronic open-mouth breathing can affect facial development and weaken oral muscles, impacting articulation. Our airway evaluations can identify these underlying issues.
This holistic view ensures we are not just treating the speech issue, but addressing the root cause for lasting improvement.
Finding Expert Speech Therapy in Boise, Idaho
If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, you are not alone. Finding a trusted partner is essential. Here in Boise, the Center for Orofacial Myology offers a collaborative team of specialists who understand the intricate connections between oral function, feeding, and speech. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all; we design personalized therapy plans that consider your child’s entire well-being.
Our speech therapy programs in Boise are led by therapists who specialize in articulation and language development, but our strength lies in our integrated services. By combining speech therapy with physical therapy, feeding support, and orofacial myology, we provide a level of care that addresses challenges from every angle, ensuring your child has the foundation they need to thrive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have questions about your child’s speech or oral development, our compassionate team is here to help. Schedule an evaluation to get the clarity and guidance your family deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a speech disorder and a language disorder?
A speech disorder relates to the production of sounds (articulation), مثل making a “w” sound for an “r.” A language disorder involves understanding and using words, such as a limited vocabulary or difficulty putting sentences together. A child can have one or both.
At what age is it best to start speech therapy?
The earlier, the better! Early intervention (before age 3) can be incredibly effective because a child’s brain is still rapidly developing. However, therapy can be beneficial at any age.
How do I know if my child’s picky eating is related to their speech difficulties?
Challenges with chewing tough foods, frequent gagging, or avoiding certain textures can indicate weakness or poor coordination in the oral muscles used for both eating and speaking. A combined evaluation for feeding and speech can determine the connection.
Does having a tongue-tie mean my child will definitely have speech problems?
Not necessarily, but it is a significant risk factor. A restricted tongue cannot move freely to produce sounds like ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘n’, ‘l’, ‘r’, and ‘s’. An evaluation can determine if the tongue-tie is impacting function and contributing to speech difficulties.
Glossary of Terms
Articulation: The physical act of producing speech sounds using the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate.
Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie): A condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion due to an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum).
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD): An atypical pattern of muscle function and posture of the face and mouth. OMDs can affect breathing, swallowing, and speech.
Oral Motor Skills: The ability to use and coordinate the muscles of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and jaw, for functions like speaking, eating, and swallowing.