Speech Therapy Services with The ABClinic

Milestones are always meant to be a general guide, and interpreted with caution. Not all children follow the “typical” progression when developing skills. 

-not making many sounds or using many words

-not imitating noises, sounds, words

-not using gestures (shaking head/nodding, waving, pointing, clapping, etc.)

-not engaging in many age-appropriate activities or play

-does not follow directions consistently 

-does not answer or respond to questions appropriately

-does not point to pictures in books or objects when labeled

-does not show understanding of gestures (reaching, pointing, showing or waving)

-does not consistently respond to their name

-is not babbling or making noises/sounds

-is not engaging in back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions

-is not using any or many words

-is unable to start putting words together (around age 2)

-has difficulty communicating for a variety of purposes 

-has difficulty learning new words or a limited vocabulary

-has errors in word order or grammar

-difficulty sequencing or retelling events

-difficult to understand

-can't produce certain sounds

-mixes up sounds

-makes distorted sounds

-doesn't use parts of their mouth to make sounds appropriately

-breathes through their mouth most of the time rather than their nose

-excessive drooling (especially beyond age 2)

-limited tongue movements

-snores/is a restless sleeper

-has a lisp or difficulty producing "s", "z", "sh", "ch" or "j"

-avoids eating certain foods, does not chew adequately, chews with mouth open

-dental problems (difficulty clearing food from teeth, overbite, underbite, etc.)

-tongue frequently low or forward in mouth

-forward or slumped posture

-difficulty engaging and playing with other children

-difficulty taking turns in conversation

-difficulty understanding nonverbal cues (body language, facial expressions, gestures)

-difficulty making and maintaining friendships

-gets overly upset with changes in routine or transitions

-difficulty using expected behaviors in different situations (school, home, etc.)

-poor time management skills

-poor organizational skills

-becomes distracted easily 

-requires several reminders to stay on task

-difficulty starting a task

-difficulty retelling events or sequencing steps in an activity

-exhibits difficulty with memory or concentration

-difficulty finding the words you want to say

-limited problem solving, planning or information processing capabilities

-repeats sounds or parts of words

-appears to have difficulty getting words or phrases out (atypical rhythm)

-family history of stuttering

-long pauses or breaks when speaking

-tension in their face or body

-filler words "umm", "uh" and speech is disorganized

-anxiety about talking

 -Trouble hearing or manipulating sounds in words (phonological awareness)
-Difficulty sounding out or decoding words
-Limited vocabulary and trouble understanding or using new words
-Difficulty following directions or understanding spoken or written language
-Struggles with retelling stories or organizing thoughts in writing
-Frequent spelling errors and confusion with word patterns or rules