Beyond Words 

What is speech?

• Speech refers to the way we physically produce a message, including:
  • Articulation - the way specific speech sounds are produced
  • Phonology - the patterns and organization of speech sounds in a language
  • Fluency - the rhythm of the message
  • Voice - the pitch, volume, and quality of a message

What is language?

• Language refers to the socially shared rules we follow when we communicate, including:
  • Expressive Language - how we express our thoughts and feelings
    • Learning and using vocabulary 
    • Learning and using grammatical structures
    • Learning the social rules of communication
    • Learning how to ask questions
  • Receptive Language - how we understand the messages of others
    • Understanding specific words, phrases, and sentences
    • Understanding concepts (e.g., prepositions, sizes, colors)
    • Following single and multiple step directions
    • Understanding questions

When should I be concerned?

Consider having your child's speech and language evaluated if:

• Your child's pediatrician recommends an evaluation
• Your child is not meeting developmental milestones
• Your child loses ANY developmental skills at ANY age.
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What can I do to help?

• Talk. Talk. Talk.  Talk to your children all of the time.  Talk about what you are doing.  Talk about what they are doing.  Talk about what you see.  Talk about what you hear.  
• Read to your children daily.
• Respond to your children when they communicate with you.
• Limit screen time (TV, iPad, phones).  Face-to-face communication is important for development.
• Say words correctly when you talk - avoid baby talk.
• Don't always correct your child's speech.  Make sure they feel that their intent and message is the most important part of communication.
• Don't interrupt your child.  Give your child time to talk.
• See a speech language pathologist if you are concerned.