Many people do not know their child has a problem or think their child is going through a phase. Here are some general explanations and milestones around language.
Language Milestones and Explanations
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Putting thoughts into words
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Commenting
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Requesting
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Grammar
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Written expression
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Comprehension of what is said
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Understanding concepts
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Following directions
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Understanding vocabulary
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Understanding written language
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Narrating everyday tasks (i.e. bath time, bedtime, eating dinner)
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Using simple and clear speech with your child
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Withholding objects until your child requests
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Give your child processing time to understand what you are asking of him/her
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Give choices- Do you want the ball or book?
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Get on their level- during play, make sure you are sitting down with the child to maintain eye contact and allow the child to look at your mouth when modeling words and speech sounds
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Remove distractions from play- turn off phone and give all your attention to your child!
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Read to your children! Make it interactive, you can even create stories given the pictures in the book to increase vocabulary
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Name everything in their world – tree, car, boy, dog
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Be specific in your naming. For example, do not call all shoes, shoes. But use words like boots, sandals, slippers, gym shoes, flip flops, heels etc. This helps to expand vocabulary.
We like to work very closely with your child’s other health care providers to create the best plan of care to maximize their well being
You can also hold your child belly to belly with you so your infant can feel and hear your heartbeat, smell your smell and hear your voice. Encourage your child to lift their head and look at you to strengthen muscles in their neck, back and arms. Tummy time does not look the same for all kids- some children need to be held or propped on a ball or positioning pillow to prevent issues with their medical devices.
As your child gets older and more medically stable, we want to continue to challenge their next developmental steps. The mindset should always be about “what can my child do?” and cheering your child to each next step.
Do NOT spend time worrying about skills your child does NOT have. Celebrate each small gain as a win! Be your child’s best cheerleader! Children take cues from parents. Show your child they should strive to be the best version of their self!
What will my child need?
You may need to explore external positioning devices to assist with positioning your child.
Your therapist will help you decide what is the best devices to help your child sit, stand or walk. It is important for social and emotional development for children to be able to be at eye level with their peers, whether that be in a special seat, stander, or gait trainer.
How will I know when I should purchase equipment?
Your therapist will help you through this process. When is based on your child’s development, strength and endurance.
Who pays for this equipment?
Your insurance may pay for the equipment and your therapist will help you with this process.
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Children begin learning in the womb. Do not underestimate - every moment is a teaching moment for your child.
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Minimize the use of your phone when you are interacting with your child.
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Talk to your child as much as you can.
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Name everything in their environment to help them to gain new words.
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You will find that your child’s receptive language -that which they understand – is MUCH higher than their expressive language – that which they can say.
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Talk to your child using words at the age level that you think they understand. This will help your child process information at that age level and not too young or too old.
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Read books to your child as much as you can. Many concepts are taught through books like words, if/then concepts, questions like Who, What, When and Where, and so much more.
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Be the voice for your child. If your child is crying, say “are you sad?” If your child is smiling, say “I see that you are happy!” Be your child’s voice until they have one of their own!
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Your child will learn new things every day. Be sure to look for each new win and celebrate with your child! Every victory, no matter how small, is still a victory!
Every child wants to be loved, snuggled, talked to and cared for. Every child wants friends. Their friendships may look different, but they are still friends. Be sure to introduce your child to other children and encourage other children to wave to your child.
Other children may be curious about your child and their equipment or different abilities and their parents may not know how to best answer these questions. Children love to understand their similarities and differences; you can be proactive and encourage healthy discussion by saying things like, “I see that you both have curly hair and beautiful smiles! Johnny uses this wheelchair to help him get around just like you might need help with tying your shoes or riding your bike.”
Children crave structure and discipline. Do your best to treat your child as you would if they did not have the challenges they have. By that I mean, do not be afraid to correct your child if they throw their toy or act out. Your child needs to learn right and wrong like every other child.
Take the time to teach your child social skills like:
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Waving hi / bye
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Giving kisses and hugs
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Nodding “yes” and shaking head “no”
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Turn taking
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Playing alone
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Playing with others
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Sharing
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Separating from parents
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Flexibility with routines or change
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Trying new things
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Does not always need to get attention
Some children get quite frustrated when they know what they want to say but cannot say it. Using different forms of communication like sign language, picture/visual schedules or even voice generated devices can decrease a child’s frustration and allow the verbal communication to develop. A speech therapist will help to determine if a device is appropriate for your child and help you with the process of insurance coverage.
Milestone Moment!
These communication devices also allow the child to get their wants and needs across developing independence. One more thing to celebrate!