Red Flags:

If the child presents with one or more of these red flags, this might indicate a developmental concern, not only a speech and/or language delay.  An immediate referral to the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre for a developmental assessment might be required.  Consult the “Where to refer” section on how to do this.

• Limited shared interest in others
• Lack of response to his/her name
• Difficulty with gestures such as showing and pointing
• Difficulty  following an adult’s point
• Limited initiation of communication such as the ability to engage the adult, to comment, etc.
• Limited production of sounds
• Uses more gestures than words to communicate
• Does not seem to comprehend when you talk to him/her
• Has difficulty pointing to simple pictures and following simple directions
• Repetitive  play or movement behaviours
• Limited sequenced pretend play
• Child does not appear to be reaching the appropriate milestones
• Any loss of any social and/or language skills