Below are two common reasons that a child might not be talking

Expressive Language Disorder

What it is:

Expressive Language Disorder is a language disorder in which the individual has difficulty knowing what to say.  This difficulty is not due to difficulty formulating the sounds and words, but rather difficulty generating the words or ideas.

What it looks like:

• Difficulty naming objects or actions
• Difficulty using gestures
• Difficulty putting words or sentences together
• Difficulty asking questions
• Difficulty telling about his/her day

What we do:

We utilize a home-like atmosphere to teach children language within everyday activities.  Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in therapy sessions to promote carry-over and accelerate the learning process.

For more information about Expressive Language Disorder, visit: National Institutes of Health

Apraxia of Speech

What it is:

Apraxia of Speech is a motor speech disorder in which the individual has trouble saying what he or she wants to say.  This difficulty is not due to weakness or paralysis, but rather difficulty getting the message from the brain to the correct muscles of the mouth. 

What it looks like:

• Unable to imitate sounds or words
• Struggles to shape their mouth in the correct posture (groping)
• Says sounds or words sometimes, but not consistently
• Has a limited range of sounds that he or she can say 

What we do:

We provide physical cues in or around the mouth to help the child speak.  Development of speech sounds are immediately embedded into language contexts to help the child become a talker.  

For more information about Apraxia of Speech, visit: 
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association