Evidence-based guides, strategies, and resources created by speech-language pathologists to support your child's communication development at home.
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Understanding typical speech and language development helps you know what to expect and when to seek help. Every child develops at their own pace—milestones represent ranges, not exact deadlines. Use these benchmarks as a guide, and remember that variation is normal. However, if you have concerns, trust your instincts and seek an evaluation.
Learn moreLate language emergence (LLE), commonly called 'late talking,' affects 10-20% of two-year-olds. While some late talkers eventually catch up on their own ('late bloomers'), recent research shows that natural catch-up rates are lower than previously thought—only about 6-19% fully catch up without intervention. Early evaluation and intervention provide the best outcomes and should not be delayed.
Learn moreArticulation refers to how clearly your child produces speech sounds using their lips, tongue, teeth, and palate. While all children make speech errors as they develop, most naturally acquire all sounds by age 8. Speech sound disorders occur when errors persist beyond the expected age or significantly affect how well a child can be understood. With appropriate therapy and consistent practice, most children can achieve clear speech.
Learn moreLanguage is the foundation for communication, learning, and social connection. It includes both understanding others (receptive language) and expressing yourself (expressive language). The first three years of life are the most critical period for language development when the brain is optimally wired to absorb language. Strong language skills are essential for reading, writing, academic success, and building relationships throughout life.
Learn moreStuttering is a speech fluency disorder affecting about 5-10% of children at some point, with approximately 1% of adults experiencing lifelong stuttering. It's a neurological condition—not caused by anxiety or nervousness, though these can be effects of stuttering. With appropriate support, most children achieve fluent speech, and people of all ages can learn to communicate effectively and confidently.
Learn moreChildren with autism spectrum disorder experience a wide range of communication differences, from minimal speech to extensive vocabulary with challenges in social use of language. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provides powerful tools to support communication—and research consistently shows it supports, not hinders, speech development. One-third to one-half of minimally verbal children with ASD benefit significantly from AAC intervention.
Learn moreChildhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare neurological motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. Unlike other speech disorders, the muscles themselves are not weak—it's the motor planning that's affected. CAS requires specialized, intensive therapy from an SLP trained in motor speech disorders. Children will not outgrow CAS without treatment, but with appropriate intervention, significant progress is achievable.
Learn moreChildren with Down syndrome often have language and communication differences that benefit from early, ongoing support. Speech and language development is influenced by multiple factors including muscle control, health, hearing, vision, and communication experiences. Visual learning strategies and integration of communication into daily activities are particularly effective, and most children make excellent progress with appropriate intervention.
Learn moreBilingualism does NOT cause speech or language delays—this is one of the most persistent myths in speech-language development. Children's brains are remarkably capable of learning multiple languages simultaneously, and maintaining the home language provides significant cognitive, cultural, academic, and family benefits. If you're raising a bilingual or multilingual child, keep using your home language!
Learn morePragmatics refers to the social rules of communication—knowing what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and to whom. Social communication skills are essential for making friends, succeeding in school, and navigating daily life. Children with social communication difficulties may struggle with conversations, making friends, understanding unwritten social rules, and interpreting nonverbal cues.
Learn moreFeeding difficulties and picky eating can range from mild selectivity to serious swallowing disorders (dysphagia). While most children go through typical picky eating phases, some have more significant feeding challenges that require professional support. Understanding the difference between normal picky eating and problematic feeding helps you know when to seek help.
Learn moreVoice disorders (dysphonia) in children include persistent hoarseness, strained voice, or loss of voice. While occasional voice changes after yelling or during a cold are normal, persistent issues lasting more than 2-3 weeks should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. The good news is that most pediatric voice problems respond well to voice therapy without surgery.
Learn moreSpeech and language skills form the foundation for reading and writing. Children with speech or language difficulties are at higher risk for literacy problems—but early support can make a significant difference. Phonological awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words) is one of the strongest predictors of reading success and is a key area where speech-language pathologists can help.
Learn moreResearch consistently shows that home practice significantly improves therapy outcomes. Children who practice at home make faster progress than those who rely on therapy sessions alone. The key is short, frequent, FUN practice sessions—5-10 minutes daily is more effective than 30 minutes once a week. Make practice a positive routine, not a chore.
Learn moreSpeech therapy apps can supplement professional therapy and make home practice engaging. However, apps should complement—not replace—working with a speech-language pathologist. The best apps are those recommended by your therapist to match your child's specific goals. Here are some SLP-recommended apps across different goal areas.
Learn moreBooks are powerful tools for supporting speech and language development. This page includes two types of recommendations: parent guidebooks for learning how to support your child's communication, and children's books that are particularly good for speech-language practice due to their repetition, rhyme, vocabulary, or subject matter.
Learn moreBritish Columbia offers several publicly-funded programs supporting children's speech and language development. Understanding what's available—and how to access it—helps families get the support their children need. This page covers provincial funding programs, regional health authority services, and local organizations in BC.
Learn moreThese reputable organizations provide reliable information, resources, and support for families navigating speech and language concerns.
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Every child is unique. Book a free consultation to get personalized recommendations tailored to your child's specific needs and goals.