Archive for March, 2008
Late Talker Definition
A mom sent me this definition of “late talker” and asked me if I agreed. I absolutely think it sums it up.
“Late talker is a term used to describe children between the ages of 18 to 20 months who have fewer than 10 words and children between the ages of 21 to 30 months who [...]
Using Sippy Cups and Pacifiers- Will They Help or Hurt My Late Talking Toddler?
This topic was originally written at the end of another post, but the questions and comments I’ve received via -email warrant a more lengthy discussion. (By the way - If you’d rather send me an e-mail with a question or comment rather than post it on the site, the address is laura@teachmetotalk.com.)
When I’m in a social setting and people [...]
Ear Infections & Hearing Assessments in Toddlers
One of the standard recommendations during the diagnostic process for a late talking toddler is an audiological or hearing assessment. If a baby can’t hear, he’s not going to learn to talk. Now with universal hearing tests mandatory at birth in the United States, very few children with significant hearing losses are missed at birth.
However, your child’s ability [...]
Working Toward Intelligible Speech in Toddlers
“Now that my baby is finally talking, I can’t understand a word he’s saying!” First we want them to talk, then once that happens, we complain that we can’t understand them. This is a big concern among parents of toddlers, especially when you’ve waited longer than you expected for those first words.
“Isn’t it normal not to understand what [...]
Is it Apraxia or a Phonological Disorder? Sorting out the Differences in Toddlers & Preschoolers
Many parents who start researching speech disorders have questions about the differences in apraxia, or motor planning difficulties, as compared to a phonological disorder. “They sound the same to me,” is what many parents tell me. Actually many professionals have questions too! This is a common debate during the diagnostic process for many clinicians. First, I’ll provide a brief overview of [...]
Could My Toddler Be Autistic? Possible Signs of Autism in Toddlers
With the world-wide epidemic of autism, one of the most common questions I’m asked during an initial speech-language evaluation with a child is, “Could my child be autistic?” Many people assume, incorrectly of course, that because a child isn’t talking by age 2 or 3, he or she must be autistic. There are many reasons [...]
Attention Canadians…Possible Arsenic in Toddler Juice
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/To…arning_08 0312
Public warned of possible arsenic in toddler juice
The public is being warned not to consume certain pear juices for toddlers as they may be contaminated with arsenic.
“Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that may be carcinogenic and may pose developmental risks to children,” the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said in a news release Wednesday.
However, [...]
How to Find An Early Intervention Program in Your Area
If you’re worried that your toddler’s language, cognitive, social, or motor skills are delayed, by federal law (Public Law 99-457 Part C), you are entitled to free evaluation by your state’s early intervention program . These programs provide comprehensive services to children from birth to age 3 and their families.
How can I find my state’s program?
To find the program for your state, [...]
Making the Leap from Words to Phrases…. Tips for Helping Your Toddler Learn to Combine Words
Research tells us that toddlers with typically developing language possess a single word spontaneous vocabulary of 35-50 words before they begin to combine words into two-word phrases. We should use this same guideline when deciding when to target phrases with children who are late talkers, those with language disorders, and especially in children with apraxia, [...]
Successful Speech Therapy Strategies for Working with Toddlers with Apraxia and Other Speech-Language Difficulties
FOR TEACH ME TO TALK - THE DVD - STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS TO HELP TEACH TODDLERS TO TALK - CLICK HERE
I have received many questions about therapy techniques for toddlers (that is under age 3) with apraxia. Before I give you ideas that are specific to treating children with apraxia, I want to first outline what I [...]
