South Shore Therapies Inc. in Hingham, MA

How Speech & Language Develops

Speech and language develop in the first three years of a child’s life. Babies learn by crying that their parent will tend to them; this is where communication begins. With constant exposure to speech and language in their lives, they develop understanding of language and can respond depending on their language milestone.  

Typical Language Development in Young Children

Children are predisposed to be able to speak and understand language but need encouragement from their parents to start their speech process. The more a baby is spoken to and engaged, the more language progress they make. Their communication begins with crying, then coos and babbles, and eventually develops into single words that turn into sentences.

Symptoms of a Language Delay in Early Childhood

The earliest symptoms of language delay can be identified if a baby is not smiling or interacting by cooing and babbling. As they get older, language delay can present as a child who only makes a few sounds or gestures or does not understand when others are communicating with them. Language delays can also be symptoms of other developmental delays.

Why Understanding Receptive Language Is Important 

Understanding language is crucial for a child’s development and well-being. A child who cannot communicate, speak, or understand could face challenges expressing their emotions, following instructions, and learning within a classroom setting. A language delay can halt a child's ability to establish or maintain relationships, which causes significant strain on a child and their families.

Associated Communication Struggles

When a child is having trouble with language, whether speaking, understanding or both, they can experience other communication difficulties associated with receptive language delay. They may appear frustrated due to an inability to communicate verbally. Language delays can also affect their social skills, auditory processing, executive functioning, and more. Early therapeutic intervention is crucial in avoiding further communication problems.

Benefits of Language Delay Early Therapeutic Intervention

Early therapeutic intervention for a child experiencing language delay is beneficial, as it helps them strengthen and develop the ability to communicate how they feel and to be able to listen, understand, and respond. These benefits significantly reduce a child’s frustration and facilitate expressive language development. Early childhood intervention minimizes the chance of developing other communication struggles.

Types of Speech and Language Evaluations

South Shore Therapies offers two types of speech-language evaluations. The standard speech-language evaluation assesses specific developmental areas, determines strengths and weaknesses, and provides a starting point for treatment. A comprehensive speech-language evaluation tests for multiple communication issues, including language skills that impact your child in different environments, providing insight into your child’s needs and additional modifications to their everyday lives.

Contact South Shore Therapies

If you’re concerned about your child’s early language development, call or visit South Shore Therapies in Hingham, MA, for an evaluation. Our industry-leading experts are here to get your child on the road to optimal language and communication skills, providing the individualized tools and care they need to succeed.