Preschool Language
We can help by assessing the needs of children prior to when they enter school and assist them in strengthening their language skills. Early language intervention address language development through play and becomes more structured as the child ages.
Early Signs of possible language problems:
- Doesn't smile or interact with others (birth-3 months)
- Does not babble (4-7 months)
- Makes few sounds (7-12 months)
- Does not use gestures , e.g. waving, pointing (7-12 months)
- Doesn't understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
- Says only a few words (12-18 months)
- Doesn't put words together to make sentences (1 1/2 - 3 years)
- Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years)
- Doesn't show an interest in books or drawing (2 1/2 -3 years)
Receptive Language
Some children have problems with understanding, also called receptive language. They may have trouble:
- Understanding what gestures mean
- Following directions
- Answering questions
- Identifying objects and pictures
- Taking turns when talking with others
Expressive Language
Some children have problems talking, also called expressive language. They may have trouble:
- Asking questions
- Naming objects
- Using gestures
- Putting words together into sentences
- Learning songs and rhymes
- Using correct pronouns, like "he" or "they"
- Knowing how to start a conversation and keep it going
NOTE: Many children have problems with both understanding and talking.
Early Reading and Writing
Some children also have trouble with early reading and writing, such as:
- Holding a book right side up
- Looking at pictures in a book and turning pages
- Telling a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end
- Naming letters and numbers
- Learning the alphabet