Warning Signs of a Possible Problem

If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, there are some things to watch for.

An infant who isn't responding to sound or who isn't vocalizing is of particular concern. Between 12 and 24 months, reasons for concern include a child who:

· isn't using gestures, such as pointing or waving bye-bye by 12 months

· prefers gestures over vocalizations to communicate by 18 months

· has trouble imitating sounds by 18 months

· has difficulty understanding simple verbal requests

Seek an evaluation if a child over 2 years old:

· can only imitate speech or actions and doesn't produce words or phrases spontaneously

· says only certain sounds or words repeatedly and can't use oral language to communicate more than his or her immediate needs

· can't follow simple directions

· has an unusual tone of voice (such as raspy or nasal sounding)

· is more difficult to understand than expected for his or her age. Parents and regular caregivers should understand about half of a child's speech at 2 years and about three quarters at 3 years. By 4 years old, a child should be mostly understood, even by people who don't know the child.

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Provision for the young handicapped child.

The importance of early special education is gaining recognition and specialists now consider that some educational help should be available from soon after birth in addition to medical and social support. It is possible for local education authorities to provide special education from the age of two. In recent years many authorities have been making arrangements for young children particularly those with impaired vision and hearing and with severe mental handicaps. The use of home visiting teachers is established in the field of handicap and is developing in the field of the severe mental handicap.

Teachers help parents to create a program of activities for their child and with other services provide support. Such a service ensures early attention to the child's special needs. Young handicapped children may also attend play groups and day nurseries supervisor by social services. In these situations they are associated with ordinary children.

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