Speech-Language Pathologists, also called SLPs, are experts in communication.
SLPs treat many types of communication and swallowing disorders these include:
Speech sounds—how we say sounds and put sounds together into words, articulation, phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
Language—how well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking. Pediatric SLPs help children develop some of the first words.
Feeding and swallowing—how well children suck, chew, and swallow foods and liquids. Pediatric SLPs can help with "picky eaters" as well.
Literacy—how well we read and write. People with speech and language disorders may also have trouble reading, spelling, and writing.
Social communication—how well we follow rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close we are to someone when talking.
Voice—how our voices sound. We may sound hoarse, lose our voices easily, talk too loudly or through our noses, or be unable to make sounds.
Fluency—also called stuttering, is how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat sounds, like t-t-t-table, use "um" or "uh," or pause a lot when talking. Many young children will go through a time when they stutter.
Cognitive-communication—how well our minds work. Problems may involve memory, attention, problem solving, organization.
Asks for common foods by name (pronunciation may be unclear).
Begins to use pronoun, “mine.”
Starting to combine words such as, “more milk.”
2-Year-Old Talker
Knows about 50 words at 24 months.
Answers simple questions.
Begins to use plural such as, “shoes” or “socks.”
Beginning to use two-word combinations.
Identifies body parts, basic animals, and common items around home.
Knows spatial concepts such as “in” and “on.”
Speech is becoming more accurate but child may still elave off ending sounds.
Sings familiar songs with common actions.
3-Year-Old Talker
Says around 600 words.
Children are connecting and coordinating many ideas into a single sentence.
Articulation is becoming clearer.
Identifies colors.
Uses most speech sounds but may distort some of the more difficult sounds such as l, r, s, sh, ch, y, v, z,
and th.
Answers simple questions such as, “What do you do if you are hungry?”
Groups objects such as clothes, foods, animals, etc.
Unfamiliar listeners are able to understand 90% of what child has said.
Repeats sentences.
Used verbs that end in “ing.”
4-Year-Old Talker
Says around 1500 words.
Understands complex questions.
Answers, “why” questions.
Understands spatial concepts such as, “in front” and “next to.”
Describes how to do things.
Growth and development occurs differently for every child. If you are concerned about your child’s
development please speak with your pediatrician or call us at 563-441-3000 to schedule a FREE screen.
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