RESOURCES
SIGNS YOU SHOULD SEEK AN EVALUATION
If your child:
- Does not consistently responding to their name by 12 months
- Does not use at least 2 gestures by 12 months
- Does not babble by 12 months
- Does not say at least 50 words by 24 months
- Does not use 2-word combinations by 24 months
- Does not follow simple, familiar directions by 18 months
- Does not show an interest in toys by 18 months
- Does not play with toys appropriately by 2 years
CONTACT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
A first step is to contact your child’s pediatrician and request an assessment. If services are needed and your insurance carrier does not authorize services, ask your pediatrician for other referral sources. Most states have an Early Start program that will fund speech therapy services. For example, in the state of California, Regional Centers may provide speech and language services for children under 3 years old.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
If your child is 3 years of age or older, your local school district will be able to complete a speech and language evaluation. The first step is to call your district and talk with the Special Education Department. They will provide information on how to the process started.
OUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
The Hanen Centre: www.hanen.org
Teach Me To Talk – Laura Mize, SLP: www.teachmetotalk.com
American Speech Language Association: www.asha.org