Signs parents notice
- Few words, or not combining words by around age 2
- Difficulty following directions or responding to questions
- Short, simple sentences for their age, or grammar that doesn’t seem to develop
- Difficulty finding words, retelling what happened, or telling a story in order
- In older children, trouble understanding what they read or explaining their ideas
Early intervention
Support matters well before school, not only for academic success. Children under 3 can receive early intervention services through the State of New York, and families can also choose private speech-language services with us. We see young children privately, which may allow your child to start without waiting for an opening.
When to get an evaluation
Some late talkers catch up on their own, and some do not. An evaluation shows where your child is, and you don’t have to wait for a long gap to open before asking.
Bilingual children and evaluations in Spanish and Greek
Growing up with two languages does not cause a speech or language disorder. Many bilingual children follow a different path from children who speak one language, and the key question is whether a difficulty appears in both languages.
What is typical in bilingual children
- Mixing the two languages within a sentence, which follows rules and is a normal part of being bilingual
- Knowing different words in each language, because words are learned where each language is used
- One language being stronger than the other, and the balance changing over time
- A quiet period when starting a new language, when a child understands more than they say
When it may be a language disorder
A language disorder shows up in all of a child’s languages, although it may look different in each one. For that reason, we look at both languages, and we do not rely on English alone. A test normed on English-speaking children can understate what a bilingual child knows, so we also look at everyday language and at how your child learns new words.
We evaluate in English, Spanish and Greek. We ask about the languages your child hears at home, at school and with family.
Keep speaking your home language
Many parents worry they should switch to English. A strong home language supports learning English, and children learn best from the language their parents speak most naturally. Using the home language also helps keep it from fading.
When language comes with another diagnosis
Language differences are common in children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome and other developmental conditions. We welcome these children and tailor language therapy to their strengths and goals.