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Speech and Language

Why would I need to see a Speech and Language Therapist?

You can ask to see a Speech and Language Therapist if you have any concerns about your child’s communication. Perhaps they might be late to talk, have difficulties understanding what you say, have unclear speech or struggle to get their words out.

A Speech and Language Therapist is trained to identify children who might need some more help to develop their communication skills and give you ideas and advice on how to do this.

It is never too early to contact a Speech and Language Therapist as children’s communication starts from birth.

When should I be worried about my child’s talking?

  • Children are individuals and all develop at different rates but if:

  • Your baby does not seem to listen to you, enjoy sounds or respond to them 

  • Your baby isn't using real words by 18 months

  • Your toddler is frustrated by not being able to speak to others

  • Your toddler has trouble understanding what you say

  • Your toddlerstammers

  • Your toddler has less than 20 words by two years

…..you may need to see a Speech and Language Therapist.

So f you have ANY concerns at all about your child’s talking then contact a Speech and Language Therapist at your local children’s centre for advice.

What could I do to help my child’s talking?

The best person to help your child with his talking is you. Your child is constantly taking in information and language from the world around him and listening to you talk as he is eating, having a bath or as you change his nappy. Just involving him and talking with him as you do everyday tasks will help. Here are some more ideas…..

Fun with Books and Rhymes

Looking at books together and singing rhymes helps to develop your child’s listening and attention skills which are the building blocks of learning to talk. Simple picture books and ‘lift the flap’ books are great for little ones and don’t worry too much about reading all of the words at this stage-your child will prefer to point to the pictures and hear you tell her what she is pointing to.

Nursery rhymes particularly those with actions are fantastic for developing language ……round and round the garden, twinkle twinkle little star, row row row the boat, incy wincy spider are some you could try.

Model back words they say

When children are learning to talk they will often leave out sounds or replace them with easier ones to say. It will take a while before their words are clear. Instead of telling them they are saying it ‘wrong’, give them back a clear model of how it should sound by saying it slowly and clearly for example, child says: "dar." Parents says: "Yes, it's a star."

Limit television time

Over exposure to TV affects your child's listening and attention skills. Constant background noise can make your child "switch off" from your voice (and distracts adults from giving talking and listening time to children). When your child watches telly, try to sit with her and talk about what you're watching.

Ditch the dummy

Dummies can cause problems with the development of your child's speech, the growth of her teeth as well as causing dribbling. If your child has a dummy or bottle, try to get rid of it by her first birthday. If you find it difficult to get rid of the dummy completely, limit your child's use of it to bed times only, weaning her off it slowly.
Further advice and information can be found at:
www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/langrichhome.html

Where do I go for help or if I have questions about my child’s talking?

You can speak to a Speech and Language Therapist in the Wandsworth Surestart Integrated Children’s Centre if you have any concerns about your child’s talking.

They are often out and about at One O’clock Centres, Baby Clinics and at the Children Centre’s groups so stop and talk to them or you can call your local Children’s Centre and one of them will call you back.

If you would like further information or tips on how to encourage your child’s talking then visit: www.talkingpoint.org.uk or www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby or see our leaflet ‘talk with me!’

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