May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) courtesy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. And while I’ve talked quite a bit about Down syndrome and Molly’s experiences with speech and language issues – many other children with special needs also have trouble with communication.
Per the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines, physicians and pediatricians should follow a checklist for autism awareness at 18 months and then again at 24 months because there are some changes.
Here are some things every parent should take into consideration when it comes to recognizing communication issues –
Know the Signs of Autism with Speech & Language Disorders-
- Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
- Does not babble (4-7 months)
- Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months)
- Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
- Says only a few words (12-18 months)
- Words are not easily understood (18 months-2 years)
- Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years)
- Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years)
- Has trouble with early reading and writing skills (2.5-3 years)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association encourages parents to learn more at identifying the signs by visiting – www.IdentifyTheSigns.org.
Learn More About the American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association
As a parent, you never know when you’ll need to delve deeper into the world of communication disorders. Learn more about the American Speech-Language Hearing Association on Facebook and follow along on Twitter at @ASHAWeb. You can also find them on Pinterest and even Google+.
Does your family have a hearing or speech story?
I’d love for you to share it…
** I was compensated to write this post by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and also include my personal experiences. **
