Frequently Asked Questions



1.  I think my child may have a speech problem.  What do I do?
You're first step is to cantact the speech/language pathologist (SLP) at your child's school.  The names and contact information for each SLP is on the main page of this website.


2.  If my child qualifies for speech/language support services, when will he/she be seen?
The SLP collaborates with the classroom teacher and takes into consideration the classroom schedule in order to determine an appropriate time for therapy. 


3.  How long will my child be enrolled in speech/language support?
The length of time for speech therapy enrollment is dependent upon a number of factors including the child's individual progress.


4.  Is there anything that I should be doing at home while my child receives speech therapy?
Your child's SLP will have sugestions and strategies specific to your child's individual speech needs.  Contact your child's SLP at school for further information.


5.  What is the difference between "speech" and "language"? 
"Speech" is the physical movements of the lips, tongue, lungs, and vocal cords to produce words.  "Language" is the "words-in-our-heads".  We use language to express ourselves through speech, writing, singing or signing.  We understand language when we listen, read or watch someone sign.


6.  How does language develop?
Babies communicate without using words from the time they are born.  Formal language development begins when a baby first recognizes words and then begins to use them.  Most babies recognize their own names by about 8 months and begin to use a few words by one year of age.  Understanding words and sentences is called "receptive language."  Using words and sentences is called "expressive language."  Receptive language usually develops more quickly than expressive language.


7.  What is the sequence of normal language development?

Age                    Features

18 months           Able to use 10 to 20 words; understands considerably more

2 years                Understands about 200 words; Produces 2-word phrases

2-1/2 years          Understands about 300 words (primarily nouns and verbs) 

3 years               Understands about 900 words - Average sentence length: 3 words

4 years               Understands and uses 900 to 1500 words. Should be nearly 100% understandable; Uses                                       grammatically accurate compound and complex sentences.


Speech/Language Home