I have a lot of parents ask me when is the best time to get their child evaluated. My answer is consistently simple. Whenever your gut is telling you to reach out to a professional just go ahead and do it. Most speech therapists will offer free consultations or screenings. In my practice I offer both. Sometimes I get to tell parents their gut was wrong (I don’t really say it so abruptly) and their child is developing typically. Sometimes I get to sit across the table with the parent and begin brainstorming what we can do together to increase positive outcomes for their child and their family.
So why such a simple answer? Because I’d rather a Speech-Language Pathologist be in the toolbox of parents than a Google search. The internet can tell you what your child “should be doing” at this point and it can give you a simple word count based on developmental norms. Or, you could sit down face to face with someone that knows child development, listens to your concerns, and gets on your child’s level and sees the world through their eyes. That person is going to give you specific recommendations, strategies, and insights that a simple internet search just can’t provide.
If you’re in my area of Chicagoland I’d love to have a discussion about your speech concerns for your child, and I’d love to cheer you and your child on as you reach your communication goals together. And if you’re looking for a certified Speech-Language Pathologist in this area or anywhere around the country check out ASHA’s Profind located here.