How to Find Help Links
If you have a concern about your child, it's always a good idea to bring your concerns to your doctor's attention and have your child evaluated. Although there might not be a diagnosable reason for a delay, your child may need help from a speech-language pathologist. You can find listings for programs in your county, in the government pages of your phone book. If your child is two or younger, you'll be given information from the Early Intervention Services Department (under Education or Health). Children ages three to five are usually referred to a speech-language pathologist within the local public school system for assessment. If you have trouble finding resources in your area, consult some of the links below:
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Easter Seals of America
Sometimes your child may have a mild - moderate delay and may not qualify for the services given by Early Intervention. If you find yourself in that situation, there are other options. There are universities that have speech and hearing clinics and you can have your child seen there. There are also private practice options. Check with your insurance company to find out if speech services are covered. Sometimes a reassessment is necessary. A child who might not qualify for services at 18 months, may qualify by 28 months if they have not been progressing, because language skills (vocabulary) grow at least ten-fold between the ages of 18 months and the age of three.