S2E1: How Do I Communicate? - (Birth - 5 Years Old)
How Do I Communicate?
Language Development, Speech Delays & Early Communication
(Birth–5 Years)
THE BIG QUESTION
Is my child simply developing language at their own pace, or is there something about the way they understand, express, or use communication that tells us they need additional support? What is the child doing with the language they have?
Key Takeaways:
Language begins long before words. Babies are absorbing language from their environment through voices, facial expressions, gestures, routines, sounds, and interactions. Communication starts before spoken language.
The absorbent mind matters. Young children are constantly taking in the language and communication patterns around them. Everyday interactions are opportunities for language development.
Receptive and expressive language are different. A child may understand significantly more than they can express. Strong receptive language can exist alongside delayed expressive language, and the reverse can also occur.
Spoken language is only one part of communication. Pointing, gestures, facial expressions, sounds, signs, bringing an object to someone, seeking help, and other intentional behaviors can all communicate meaning.
Don't measure language only by word count. Having many words doesn't automatically mean a child is using language functionally, and having fewer spoken words doesn't automatically tell us how much a child understands.
Function matters. Ask: What is the child doing with the language they have? Are they requesting, protesting, asking for help, sharing an experience, answering, commenting, connecting, and communicating with others?
A full sentence isn't necessarily the most important milestone. The meaning and purpose behind the communication matter. Catherine's story illustrates how powerful it can be when a child spontaneously uses language to share an observation rather than simply respond to a prompt.
Speech and language are not the same thing. A child may have difficulty producing speech sounds while having strong language skills, or they may have difficulty understanding or using language. We need to identify which part of communication is creating the difficulty.
Apraxia belongs in this conversation. A child may have something they want to communicate but have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. Understanding the difference matters when determining appropriate support.
Behavior can sometimes be telling us something about communication. When a young child doesn't have an effective way to communicate, frustration may show up through challenging behavior. We shouldn't assume every behavior is caused by a language delay, but communication should be part of the question.
Development is not a checklist or a race. Milestones provide a developmental framework, not a way to compare one child against another. We look at the overall pattern and progression of skills.
A delay does not automatically mean a disorder. Some children develop language later and continue to progress, while others have ongoing language, speech, motor-speech, or social-communication needs. The purpose of looking closely is to understand the child's individual profile.
You don't need a diagnosis to support a child. If a child is having difficulty communicating, we can support communication while the family is seeking answers and appropriate evaluation.
Concern is enough to start asking questions. Parents don't have to be able to name the problem before seeking guidance. Observation, conversation, developmental screening, and appropriate professional evaluation can help clarify what is happening.
Most importantly: support the child in front of you. Don't focus only on the child you expected, the child next door, or a milestone chart. Look at the actual child—their strengths, their communication, their development, and what they are telling you.
— communication before words, receptive vs. expressive language, functional communication, early social communication, speech/language differences, apraxia, and when concerns should be investigated.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
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