• Can my baby understand what I'm saying? I feel silly talking to him when he can't talk back.
• How long should I wait before I seek help for my child's speech and language problem?
• Do I have to see my family doctor to get a referral?
• Is there anything I can do myself to help my child?
• Children develop at different rates. Won't my child just grow out of it?
• Can a smart child have a speech and language disorder?
• We speak two languages at home. Will this cause our child to have a speech and language problem?
• When should I start reading to my child?
• My three year old son is stuttering. Should I be concerned about this?
• Does every child learn to talk at a different rate or should each one follow the same path along the way?
• Why are the first few years of a child's life most important for learning language?
• Why is talking and singing to your new baby very important?
• How does reading to very young children help prepare them for school?
• Why is having good language very important for success at school?
• Why is it never too early to identify and help children who have speech and language disorders?
• Why has the Ontario Government implemented the Preschool Speech and Language Initiative?

It is important to talk to your baby right from birth, because that is the way he will learn to talk. Even though babies don't understand actual words until they are about six months old they do pay attention to the tone of voice and body language you use. Your baby will respond by imitating your facial expressions, gestures and even sounds. These responses are you baby's way of talking to you.

Don't wait. Call as soon as you are concerned. It is never too early to identify a problem, even if you child is not talking yet.

No. You can call your local Preschool Speech and Language Program directly.

Children naturally learn language by hearing it and having the chance to respond. A parent is the best person to provide examples of good language for their child. Parents of children who have a speech or language disorder may get specific instructions once they have seen a speech language pathologist. In the meantime there are many tips that can be used in everyday activities or when you are playing with your child. Have a look at the activities suggested under Ages and Stages.

Whether your child has a problem or not, always remember, the more you talk, sing and read to your child the better for language development.

Although some children are late talkers, most children don't just ”grow out of it.” A speech language pathologist will assess your child and determine whether she needs some help.

Yes. Speech and language problems are not related to intelligence.

No. Research has shown that children who hear more than one language at home have normal language development and often find it easier to learn additional languages later on. The child may speak one language with one family member and a second language with another. At the beginning your child may use words from both languages at the same time, but eventually will separate them into distinct languages.

Children who have a speech and language disorder will have trouble learning any language to which they are exposed, but being exposed to more than one language will not be a problem.

It is never too early to introduce your child to stories. At first, rhymes, finger plays and songs are mini-stories for babies, and can be used during diaper changes, bath time and dressing. As soon as your child can sit on your lap start looking at books. Very simple cloth or board books are good to start with, especially ones with simple pictures, different textures or flaps to lift. With your very young baby talk about what is on the page -- you don't have to read the story. Simplify or adapt what you say to keep your child's attention. At the beginning your child may focus on a page for only a brief moment, but will soon enjoy turning the pages and listening to you read.

Repeating sound and words is a normal part of learning to talk. Many parents think their child is stuttering when they hear these normal patterns. You should not be concerned about these repetitions, and you should not bring them to the child's attention. However, if you feel your son is struggling to get words out, if he's getting frustrated or upset, or if you are anxious, please call your local Preschool Speech and Language Program.

Every child learns to talk at a different rate, but each one follows the same path along the way. Check Ages and Stages to see if your child is on track.

Language learning begins at birth and progresses rapidly for the first three years.

Babies learn language by hearing it. The more they hear the better. Start talking and singing to your baby from day one.

Children who are shown books, and are read to, from the time they are babies are better prepared for school. Talking to your baby about the pictures in books and reading stories when he or she is a bit older will help build speech and language. Make time to share a book with your child every day!

If a child does not have good language by school entry, he or she will not be able to understand everything the teacher and classmates say. This means the child may not learn as much as he or she could and may have problems getting along with the other children.

DON'T WAIT AND SEE! If there is a problem, the sooner you get help for your child, the better. Even babies can be assessed for speech and language disorders. A speech language pathologist will be able to determine if your child will need extra help to learn language.

To give children the opportunity for the best possible start in life. Over 10 per cent of preschool children in Ontario have speech and language disorders.

• Infant Hearing Program
• Ages and Stages

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