Recent pediatric research shows us that the best time to affect brain and behavioral growth is between the ages of 0 and 30 months. An early referral can make a world of difference in a child’s life!

Here is what to look for:

By 12 months, the child should:

• Use 3 to 5 words.
• Follow simple one-step directions – “sit down”.
• Use gestures – point, wave “bye-bye”, shake head “no”.

By 18 months, the child should:

• Use 20 words.
• Point to several body parts when asked.
• Make at least 4 consonant sounds – p, b, m, n, d, g, w, h.
• Use pretend play – give teddy a drink.

By 24 months, the child should:

• Use 100 to 150 words.
• Use 2 word sentences – “daddy hat”, “more milk”.
• Follow two-step directions – “Go find your teddy bear and show it to Grandma”.

The community has a role to play in early detection and intervention of speech and language delays in young children!  For more information about “Talk by 2″, attend a community workshop or book a session for the staff at your centre.

Children should TALK BY 2!

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Think “E-I-E-I-O” to communicate with your child

Explore together

• Be face to face while you play, sing, read and talk.
• Name and describe things you see and actions you do together.
• Repeat words often: “shoe OFF, sock OFF, shirt OFF”.

Imitate and Interpret

• Imitate: copy what your child says and does all day long, every day.
• Interpret: when your child points, smiles, makes sounds or uses words, say what you think he means.

Expand and Extend

• Expand on what your child says by adding 1 or 2 words.  If she says “tat”, you say “Big cat. Cat running.”
• Extend with a new idea.  If he says “tat”, you say “The cat has claws to climb the tree.”

Include choices

• Use simple questions instead of Yes or No questions:  “Do you want to wear the striped or plain shirt?”

Observe, Wait and Follow your child’s lead

• Take turns listening and talking.
• Watch, wait and get interested in your child.
• Let him take the lead when playing, reading and talking together.

Talk with your child every day,  so your child can talk by 2!