Carol Said:

when should you start to consider speech therapy for you're toddler?

We Answered:

A 2.5-year-old should have a vocabulary of at least 50 words. She also should be able to combine two words in phrases and imitate three-word phrases with ease. You also have to look into not only how she EXPRESSES herself, but how she UNDERSTANDS language. Many parents/caregivers don't realize that language, as a whole, has two components. If they child is not processing language properly, then she will also not express words appropriately.

You should also look into having her hearing checked. Does she have a hearing of ear infections? History of ear infections could mean that your child has fluid in her hear, which causes a temporary form of hearing loss. If she can't hear words properly, she will not produce them.

Your child, at 2.5 years old, will soon be 'aging out' for early intervention services (EI stops at 3 years of age). However, she might qualify for services under a different federal program. Call the early intervention agencies now. They will arrange for your child to be fully evaluated (speech, instruction, etc.).

Children learn the most through play. Symbolic play skills are an integral part of language development. Children learn to perform symbolic schemas (that have actually been linked to literacy skills) and use language accordingly. Read to your child as well. That is very important. You can increase her vocabulary through picture books and story books.

Paul Said:

Free speech therapy for toddler?

We Answered:

Hi, I am an SLP grad student in Illinois. Your son should be able to get the services for free through your state's Early Intervention Program. Early Intervention is for children ages 0-3 years of age. If your son qualifies for speech, he is entitled to get these services for free as part of a 504 Plan which is tied to the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act." Since I am from Illinois, I am not familiar with what the Early Intervention agency is called in California. However, I can tell you that the name of the one in Illinois is called "Child and Family Connections." They might be able to provide you with the name and contact info for the agency in California. Here is their number: 1-888-594-8364

Also, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), which is the national organization for SLPs in the US, may be able to tell you this information. Here is their phone number: (800) 638-8255

They also have a link on their website for finding a professional in your area. You can even narrow it down by what age group you want an SLP for. Here is the link for that:
http://asha.org/proserv/

According to a press release by the U.S. Department of Education, "Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide early intervention services to children with disabilities from birth through age 2 [though some states provide services for longer]. Early intervention can include speech and hearing services, family training and counseling, home visits, diagnostic medical services, occupational or physical therapy, social and psychological services and service coordination. More than 268,000 children receive early intervention services."
(quoted from: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/200… )

Christina Said:

Has anyone took there toddler to speech therapy?

We Answered:

well some children talk in private because they want to get what they are saying right.

My nephew didnt talk for the longest time and wouldn't say words unless he knew he was going to be understood and he knew what they ment.

Randy Said:

Is speech therapy more effective in at the house or in the office for a toddler?

We Answered:

I would say that it should be done at home and at the office.Because in the offfice you can learn the proper way to help them with their speech and at home they will feel more comfortable and relaxed and when they are in more of an relaxed environment they seem to do better but when they do both it gives them more of a chance to get back on track faster.So don't just count on the office do it yourself and vice versa and you will see a change and increase in how fast they have caught up!Good luck

Nathaniel Said:

Speech Therapy for Toddler?

We Answered:

It sounds to me he is right on target.
"Average" children will begin combining words into simple, 2-word utterances when they have an expressive vocabulary of about 50 words at age 2. He's doing well if he has 12 to 13 true words at 17 months, uses other vocalizations and gestures to make his needs known, initiate interpersonal contact, and for "commenting" on his external world..
As for MLU, he is WAY to young for it to be a reliable measure of his language development. Generally, it begins to be a meaningful tool when the child begins to use grammatical forms and syntax at between 30 to 36 months.
As for his hearing, if he can understand you speaking in a muted voice or quiet whisper fom about 10 feet away, his hearing is adequate for learning speech and language.
So, relax, Mom.