Early Intervention
Early intervention in speech-language pathology refers to the timely provision of speech and language services to children who show signs of developmental delays or disorders. The goal is to address issues related to speech, language, and communication at an early stage, ideally before the child reaches school age. Early intervention is crucial because research shows that the earlier children receive support, the better their chances of overcoming or minimizing long-term difficulties.
- Receptive language (understanding spoken language)
- Expressive language (using words and sentences to communicate)
- Social communication (interacting with others)
- Pragmatics (understanding social cues, turn-taking in conversations)
- Speech sounds and articulation
- Voice and fluency (e.g., stuttering)
Examples of When Early Intervention Might Be Needed:
- A child is not babbling or making eye contact by 6-12 months.
- A child has difficulty understanding simple words or commands.
- A child’s speech is difficult to understand by age 2 or 3.
- A child is not using words to express needs by age 2.
- A child has trouble pronouncing words correctly or is not using age-appropriate grammar.