Let's talk about: 1-2 year old speech and language development

Oh the adorable 1-2 year old little ones.  They are in between the baby and older toddler phrase.  At times, their snuggles remind you of those precious newborn snuggles.  In the next breath, they are showing you all the lovely independence and spunk of a true toddler.

As rapidly as moods and interest change, so does their speech and language development.  But what does that mean?
I am a SLP and I am also a mama to two little ones.  Being a mother to two littles means that I, too, get those emails titled "Is your child talking?", "How to promote language development", and I click...a little personal and professional curiosity.  I appreciate the information shared about speech/language development, but often it is not shared that typical speech/language development may not happen the same for all children.  There are general guidelines for expected mastery of speech/language milestones and typical speech/language development, but there is also a range that is considered average and appropriate for developing these milestones.
The information I'm sharing below is from reputable sites all listed at the bottom of this post.   What I want to emphasize is that this information shared and most information you read regarding speech and language development shares expectations; however, it is important to note that there is a range of development that is considered to be within the average range.  Your child may not do all the milestones listed for a 1 year old on the day of their first birthday, but continue with your support and creating a language rich environment, and a child with typically developing speech/language will develop these skills in the coming months.  Ok to the good stuff...

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Around the age of 1 a child should:

• Respond to a sound by looking and/or turning in the direction of the sound
• Respond to his/her name by turning body or looking
• Understand familiar words (mama, daddy, food, milk)
• Play reciprocal games (peek-a-boo, drumming games)
• Listen to story and songs (maybe not in their entirety, but in part)
• Look at something when a communication partner points
• Point to items to show a communication partner
• Use long babbles
• Use vocalizations and gestures to get and keep attention
• Use gestures to communication such as waving hi
• Imitate speech sounds
• Say 1 word phrases

The year between turning 1 and turning 2 is a fascinating year for language development.  Typically, speech and language skills are rapidly developing with bursts of development all throughout.  If your child has not spoken his/her first word by 16 months, you may want to talk with your pediatrician or consult with a Speech Language Pathologist.

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 1-2 year old speech and language development. During this year a child should:

• Start to identify body parts by pointing when asked and can name them (even if the sounds are not clear)
• Answer simple questions with gestures or simple responses
• Ask questions like "What's that?" "Who?" "Where?"
• Follow 1-part directions ("Give it to mommy")
• Point to pictures in books when the reader names them
• Name pictures in books
• Use pronounsI, it
• Use the -ing form of verbs (running, drinking, sleeping)
• Understanding and use of concepts: in, on, up, down, under
• Use a lot of new words
• Starts to put two words together in phrases
• Clearly articulate (say) the sounds p, b, m, h, and w in words
• Be able to be understood approximately 25%-50% of the time by his/her communication partner

1-2 year old child social language development.  A child should:

• Gesture for greetings (waving hi and bye)
• Enjoy making someone laugh and repeat the actions that made the person laugh
• Participate in parallel play
• • When children play next to each other
• Verbal-turn taking (the beginning of conversation)
• Participate in simple pretend play (making food in a kitchen, talking on a phone, feeding a baby)
• Imitate adult intonation with words, phrases, and babbling

1-2 year old literacy development.  A child should:

• Attend to a book for approximately 2 minutes
• • At this age, their attention is equal to about 1 minute for each year.  So a 2 year old could be expected to have a 2 minute attention to a task.
• Recognize familiar books by their covers
• Listen to simple songs, rhymes, and stories
• Participates in the reading action by turning pages, pointing to pictures, and labeling pictures.
• Pretends to read

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I cannot emphasize enough that there is a range of time in which it is considered average for a child to develop these speech/language skills.  The important thing is that you are observing your child's skills grow and continue to grow each month.  If you have a concern, talk to your pediatrician, a Speech Language Pathologist, or please reach out to me.
Be sure to check back soon for a post on ways to FUNctionally support developing speech and language skills.
XOXO,
Julianne

Resources:
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Speech-and-Language/
https://speechhearing.columbian.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs1996/f/downloads/Milestonesguide.pdf
https://www.asha.org/public/early-identification-of-speech-language-and-hearing-disorders/

Learn the signs...(FREEBIE)

With April being Autism Awareness Month and May being Better Speech and Hearing Month, it seems fitting to share resources that help professionals and parents understand early (0-5 years old) milestones and expectations.
Ok great...but how you ask?  Did you know the Center for Disease Control runs a program/website called "Learn the Signs. Act Early" loaded with free information and resources (AND A FREE APP)?
If you have questions about milestones for little ones, if you have developmental concerns, if you are just interested, GO VISIT the website!  There are checklist, videos, and FREE books.
Website for "Learn the Signs.  Act Early":
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html

Let's talk about these FREE books!  What an amazing resource.  I thought it might be too good to be true, but I will attest...the books are free and they are great!  There are books geared toward 2 year olds and 3 year olds available in English and Spanish.  Not only are the stories engaging and the illustrations interesting for littles, they are written to highlight milestones and skills expected for 2 year olds and 3 year olds.  You are limited to a max of 10 of each book per order...just a FYI :)
Website for free materials/books:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/freematerials.html

Has anyone visited this website or used this program before?

SLP2Be Must Haves

Entering into the world of graduate school for Speech Language Pathology was an adventure.  Just a couple years prior to starting grad school, I had never heard of Speech Language Pathology.  Now, on the other side of graduate school and fully immersed in the world of Speech Language Pathology, I (along with some of my favorite SLPs) have some recommendations for resources and materials to support the SLPs2Be.

**I will continue to update this post with new recommendations as they come in**

• An Advanced Review of Speech Language Pathology (amazon)

This is a SLP fan favorite!  I used this book to study for the Praxis exam and thought it was fantastic.  My recommendation to SLP grad student currently in the grind, buy this book now and use it as a supplement with your courses.  Another avenue for learning the information and you will be familiarizing yourself with the book so when it comes to studying for the Praxis it will all be smooth reviewing (and not learning a new book/format, etc.)

• Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual-5th Edition (amazon)

A fellow SLP refers to this as her speech therapy bible...it is that good!  A manual covering a wide range of disorders and materials/procedures for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating.  This information is for pediatric and adult populations.

• Eliciting Sounds: Techniques and Strategies (amazon)

Yes!  Evidence based descriptions for eliciting sounds.  Great ideas and techniques.

• A Good Planner

Seriously...use your phone, computer, or paper planner.  Find whatever works for you and use it!  A fellow SLP mama (and one of the most organized people I know) created her own planner called the Focused Life Design.  I have my 2019 planner and I LOVE it!  Check it out.

Do you have recommendations to share that I haven't listed?  Leave a comment or email me at hobinslp@gmail.com and I'll add it :)

-Julianne

Speech, Language, Audiology...huh?!

Speech Language Pathology...Audiology...SAY WHAT?!
When I started this blog and information sharing, I was mostly sharing with other professionals sharing tips, tricks, ideas, research, etc.  Over time, this community has shifted to include parents and caregivers and I am sooooo excited and thankful for that.  With the growth in the community, I figure it is a good time to explain some of the background behind the information sharing.  Here it goes...

What is a Speech Language Pathologist?
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are professionals trained to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
https://www.asha.org/students/speech-language-pathology/
What is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are professionals trained to provide care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory (hearing related) disorders in children and adults.
https://www.asha.org/students/audiology/
The American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association.  
  
What is language?
Language is the comprehension and/or use of spoken, written, or symbol system in which there are socially shared rules that include the following:

• Word meaning
  • (e.g., "star" can refer to a bright object in the night sky or a celebrity)
• Word structure
  • (e.g., friend, friendly, unfriendly)
• Putting words together
  • (e.g., "Peg walked to the new store" rather than "Peg walk store new")
• Deciding words/phrases to go together best given a specific situation
  • ("Would you mind moving your foot?" could quickly change to "Get off my foot, please!" if the first request did not produce results)

What is speech?
Speech is how sounds are made.

• Articulation: How speech sounds are made using the mouth, lips, teeth, and tongue
• Phonology:Patterns of use of speech sounds.
• Voice: The production of sound using the vocal folds and breath
• Fluency: The rate and rhythm of speech (more commonly referred to as stuttering)

What are speech and language disorders?
There is extensive literature and research available to students and professionals in the field offering insight into “norms” and expectations.  While there are many factors to consider when discussing a speech/language disorder, in general, a disorder is considered when an individual has difficulty using or understanding language or speech in a way that is not consistent with developmental expectations or is the result of other factors.  It is best to contact a professional with questions/concerns.
This link offers more information and if you scroll to the bottom, a professional search for SLPs in your area https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Speech-and-Language/
What about hearingand balance?
An audiologist can assess, treat, and rehabilitate hearing and balance related disorders including cochlear implants, hearing assistive technology, and hearing aids.
https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Treatment/
As a SLP and now a mother, I find I am now asked much more personal questions regarding a variety of topics.  In my upcoming posts, I’m going to share information on my most asked questions….SO now you have the background knowledge for that information J
Be sure to leave a comment, question, or input!
XOXO,
Julianne

New Year...Same Routines

Happy New Year!  I seriously love a New Year.  There is so much excitement and a fresh outlook.  It also helps that New Year's Eve is all about things that sparkle! :)
In this house, we are back from all our amazing holiday adventures which included my sister's amazing wedding!  Now that we are back, we are getting back to (or at least trying) our routines...FOR EVERYONE! :)  Oh man it is hard to get a 3 1/2 year old, 18 month, and the parents back in the swing of things.
Calendars and schedules have always helped me.  Before the Christmas break, a preschool teacher shared that it might be helpful for the kids to do a countdown for going back to school toward the end of break.  Lightbulb!  We do countdowns for holidays, but I have never done a countdown for going back to school.
We did ours this morning and my little guy was so excited!  He was excited to complete the project, but also seemed really excited to understand when he would be going back to school and started talking about what he would be doing at school.  It honestly appeared organizing for him as he counted the days.  He asked that we make one for his little sister as she will be going back to music class...of course...sister needs a countdown, too!
You could make your countdown anyway that works best for you.  We chose to make a paper chain.  I let the kids pick their colors.  After we assembled the chain, we hung them on the door in our kitchen/play room so it is an easy visual reminder.  Nothing fancy (obviously), but hoping it helps for a smooth transition back to school (and music class) :).
What are you all doing to help your family get back into your groove?


XOXO,
Julianne