Resources & Information about Speech & Language Development
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Developmental Milestones
Milestones help caregivers to know what to expect out of their child’s development and when it might be time to seek professional advice. Every child develops at their own pace and may hit milestones sooner or later than their peers or siblings. Concerns about missed milestones should be brought up with your child’s primary care provider.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association lists milestones for communication and feeding by age range. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has a checklist for speech and language development from ages birth to 5 years. Read more about these organizations below.
Intervention for Speech and Language Concerns
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, such as missing milestones, your child may benefit from an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a clinician that assesses, diagnoses, and treats disorders related to speech, language, communication, and swallowing. An SLP will want to perform a full evaluation of your child’s speech and language skills. They may also refer to other clinicians, such as a physical therapist or audiologist, in order to collaborate on your child’s care.
Every child and family situation are unique, but if you have concerns about your child’s speech or language, it’s important to be proactive about seeking help. Early intervention can lessen the impact of developmental delays or disabilities (ASHA). Typically, children who receive services earlier have better outcomes (ASHA), but it is never too late to seek help for speech or language concerns.
Resources in South Carolina
BabyNet
BabyNet is South Carolina’s early intervention program. It is a way to access services and get referrals for infants and toddlers ages 0-3.
Family Resource Portal
The Family Resource Portal is an online directory for families in South Carolina seeking services and resources related to early intervention, early childhood, school, and healthcare systems.
Help Me Grow SC
Help Me Grow aims to connect caregivers with resources during the first 1,000 days of their child’s life. Their team of specialists can provide screeners and help parents find the care they need. All of their tools and services are free of charge.
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a developmental screening tool available through Help Me Grow. It is a questionnaire that provides an overview of your child’s development. It identifies strengths as well as potential concerns and can be a tool for monitoring progress.
National Organizations
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Their website includes many parent-friendly resources about communication, communication disorders, and intervention. Their tool ProFind can help caregivers find a certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
ASHA also has a text line that parents can contact to get tips and resources from experts. Text “TALK” to 274-448.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
The NIDCD is a part of the National Institute of Health that contributes to research on speech and language. You can find information about voice, speech, and language as well as resources for intervention and education. They also provide information about clinical studies for potential volunteers.
MACAW Lab 