Speech, language, and feeding development begins at birth and follows an expected developmental trajectory. If an infant younger than 12 months is not progressing as expected, it is important to recognize when speech therapy might be necessary. Below are some key warning signs that may indicate an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist is needed.

• Does not cry when hungry or uncomfortable
• Does not attend to faces
• Does not coo or babble
• Does not respond to familiar voices
• Has difficulty with breast or bottle feeding
• Does not respond to sounds in the environment
• Does not use gestures by 12 months (high five, clap, wave)

Speech-language pathologists can provide therapy and parent education to help improve an infant’s speech, language, and feeding. SLP’s can also make referrals to an audiologist to rule out any hearing problems. Always remember, early intervention is key, so do not delay in contacting a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation if you have concerns.

The team at All For Kids Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Anchorage, AK can help. They offer a variety of detailed services, including speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, that you can explore on their website. Their team believes in a one-on-one approach and will build a detailed plan to help them overcome challenges. Call (907) 345-0050 today to schedule a consultation and connect on Facebook for additional resources.