Author Archives: admin

Q: How can I help my child communicate better? Play early speech routine games such as “peek-a-boo” Simon says, and hide and seek. Model pretend play with your child (e.g. feed a doll, stir soup) Pair actions with words. Organize … Continue reading →

Q: What is a tongue thrust? A: A tongue thrust occurs when the tongue pushes forward, against the front teeth, causing a reverse swallow.  This habit can cause poor teeth alignment, a lisp, mouth breathing, and jaw misalignment. Because a … Continue reading →

What is Apraxia? Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (DVD) also known as “Apraxia” is the difficulty sequencing, coordinating, and forming sounds into words.   A motor planning delay, characterized by difficulty vocalizing correctly and consistently. Child has difficulty imitating words, but able … Continue reading →

What can I expect from my 24 month-old child? Says about 100 words and puts two words together: “go car.” Verbally requests wants and needs: “want cookie.” Clearly produces: /p, b, m, n, w, h, y, t, d, t/ with … Continue reading →

  What can I expect from my 5 year old? Stabilization of most sounds including: /v, s, z, sh, ch, l, r, j/ with 90% clarity. Understands opposites including left/right. Talks about their day at school and has a simple … Continue reading →

What can I expect from my 3-year-old? Expressive vocabulary of 350 words; Puts 3-4 words together with 80% clarity. Understands quantity concepts: more, less, empty, a lot, big, tall. Understands directions: up/down, in/our, on/off, in front/behind, under/over, next to. Identifies … Continue reading →

Pragmatics (social skills) is the effective and appropriate communication in relation to varying social and situational contexts, intent, and conversational rules.  Pragmatic delays may also affect academic performance. In the classroom, your child may not demonstrate his true ability if … Continue reading →

Speech and Language of the 6-Year-Old At 6 years of age, your child… Has correct articulation of most sounds in conversation to an unfamiliar listener. May still have difficulties with clusters such as /spl/, or /tr/. Uses adult-like grammar and … Continue reading →

If You Think Your Child Stutters You should take your child to a speech-language pathologist if he or she… Shows frustration or embarrassment when speaking. Others seem impatient with your child’s speech. Exhibits facial grimaces or bodily tension when attempting … Continue reading →

Speech and Language of the 2 ½ year old At age 2 ½ years, you child… Uses about 450 words. Gives first name and holds up fingers to tell age. Uses past tense, plurals, and combines nouns and verbs. Understands … Continue reading →