How to Raise a Speech Delayed Toddler

While there is no set age when children hit a developmental milestone, there are age- specific tasks that most can do. Parents raising more than one child can easily see the differences. In my case, my son was moving along perfectly, except when it came to speech. He just didn't speak much at all.

I noticed the delay around the age of two, when he was among other kids his age. The other children were making attempts to speak, but my son didn't try to communicate verbally.

After receiving a recommendation from our pediatrician, I took my toddler to be evaluated by an early intervention program called Early Steps (name varies in all states). They placed him with a speech therapist that came to our house to work with him. Here are steps that we followed to improve his speech.

1. Don't Offer Words

Every time my son gestured to a toy, snack, or drink that he wanted, I would say the name of the object, then wait for him to try to repeat me. I knew he probably wouldn't start repeating me right away, so as long as he attempted to make the sound, he received what he was asking for.

This step led to many tantrums and crying episodes. It happened not only because he couldn't get what he wanted, but because he was frustrated at not being able to repeat the sounds of the word. But after time he caught on.

2. Use Sign Language

The speech therapist would show us two to three new signs per week. "More, help, and open" were used the most it seemed. Learning some sign language greatly reduced my son's frustration at not being able to communicate verbally with us.

3. Be Creative

Flash cards were not doing the trick. My toddler was very bored trying to name objects off of a card. So the therapist got creative. She began blowing bubbles (my son's favorite) and shouting "pop" when they hit the ground. Bingo! Right away, my son began repeating her. She then had him climb up and down our stairs, while saying "up, up, up, down, down, down." Sure enough, he began repeating her. Combining physical activity with speech therapy has had the most impact on my son to date. We had just found a way to draw the words out of him.

4. Sing Songs

I believe a child needs to feel included when learning how to speak. By introducing nursery rhymes to them, they are able to participate in the therapy without knowing it. It's fun for them to make the hand motions that go along with "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Then slowly, the words follow.

5. Bring Your Toddler Around Other Children

It's funny how children will develop around other kids. They like to imitate and learn new things from each other. As my son nears three, it's clear how much faster he's progressing by watching other children. He wants to talk to them because it's exciting, and so he tries harder to communicate. You can bring your child to the park, library, or local book store for free. There are always young children playing there. Our library and book store even have free "toddler time," so there's an adult supervising the group as well.

Soon enough my son will be chatting away. He has already come so far by implementing these steps. If you notice your toddler may have a speech delay, it's important to get help as early as possible. Don't forget, your state provides speech therapy free of charge until your child turns three!