PRE-SCHOOL LANGUAGE DISORDERS

Pre-school children, ages 5 and under, may have difficulty understanding and talking. It is important to note that this is different from having a speech delay when children experience a delay in the development or use of the mechanisms that produce speech sounds (see Speech Concerns). In typically-developing children, there is an age at which certain language skills are achieved. Children who have not achieved age-appropriate language milestones may have a pre-school language delay or disorder.

Your child may show difficulty with:

• Using as many words as other children their age
• Putting words together to make phrases or sentences
• Answering questions
• Following directions
• Pointing to named objects or pictures
• Telling simple stories

How can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help?

Our speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) help children with language difficulties. This starts with an assessment to determine whether or not his/her language is typically-developing. If therapy is warranted, our S-LPs will work directly with you and your child. The best outcomes occur when parents seek out early intervention for language delays and disorders.

S-LP therapy involves using play and games to help your child say and understand more in a fun and interactive environment. S-LP therapy will support your child in:

• Increasing the number and types of words they use
• Increasing the number and types of words they understand
• Using phrases and sentences to explain themselves
• Improving understanding and following directions
• Improving their ability to tell stories or explain something that happened