Resources
Speech-Language Developmental Checklist
Recognizing common signs of speech and language challenges in children from infancy to 4 years old is crucial for early identification of communication disorders. However, determining whether your child needs speech therapy is not an exact science. Below are a few listed signs of developmental delays that could indicate the potential advantages of therapy for your child.
Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
Does not babble (4-6 months)
Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like reaching (7-9 months)
Does not understand what others say (10 months - 2 years)
Says only a few words (19 months - 2 years)
Does not put words together to make sentences (19 months - 3 years)
Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (2-3 years)
Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2-3 years)
Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (3-4 years)
Speaks using words that are not easily understood by others (3-4 years)
Has trouble with early reading skills, like pretending to read or finding the front of a book (4-5 years)
Occupational Developmental Checklist
Developmental milestone charts don’t always recognize every child’s unique journey. Your child may exhibit one or more signs of developmental delays listed below, but that does not necessarily mean they are off-track. However, occupational therapy could be a valuable tool to support your child’s continued growth &
development.
Balance issues
Refusing food or liquid
Trouble holding pencil, spoon, scissors
Failure to accept different food textures
Difficulty manipulating zippers, buttons, shoelaces
Coughing or gagging during meals
Difficulty coordinating both sides of the body
Difficulty chewing
Inability to understand the concept of left & right
Excessive drooling while feeding
Gurgling, hoarse, or breathy voice during feeding
Trouble engaging & interacting with family & peers
Frequent spitting or vomiting
Difficulty adapting to new & unfamiliar environments
Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections
Less than normal weigh gain or growth
Sensory processing difficulties
Relying on adults to initiate play
Delayed developmental milestones
Student Shadowing
Dymond Speech & Rehab welcomes prospective SLPs & OTs to inquire about open shadowing positions at our clinic. As a teaching clinic, we aim to offer aspiring therapists the chance to gain valuable experience as a part of their preparation for entering a graduate program.
We may not always have open shadowing positions, but feel free to inquire about potential opportunities.
Recent shadowing students have been from the following schools:
“As an intern & prospective speech pathologist, shadowing the therapists at Dymond Speech Rehab has been an invaluable experience. It’s been rewarding to see so much of what I’ve learned in my classes apply to what I’ve been able to experience in the clinic.”
“Not only did I gain in-clinic experience, but I gained a mentor & a true understanding of the impact I’ll be able to make in kids’ & their families’ lives after I graduate.”
“Not only did I gain in-clinic experience, but I gained a mentor & a true understanding of the impact I’ll be able to make in kids’ & their families’ lives after I graduate.”