Guiding Parents with Language Delay — Practical Tips That Help

Language delay occurs when a child has difficulty understanding or using words compared to peers of the same age.

Parents often notice:

• Limited vocabulary

• Short sentences

• Difficulty following instructions

• Frustration during communication

While therapy is important, daily interaction at home plays a powerful role.

Practical Strategies That Help

1. Follow Your Child’s Lead

Talk about what your child is already focused on. This increases engagement and learning.

2. Expand Their Language

If your child says “car,” respond with “Yes, big red car!”

3. Slow Down Your Speech

Clear, slightly slower speech improves comprehension.

4. Offer Choices

“Do you want apple or banana?” encourages expressive language.

5. Read Together Daily

Books expose children to vocabulary and sentence structure.

When to Seek Support

Consider speech therapy if your child:

• Uses fewer words than expected

• Struggles to combine words by age 2–3

• Has difficulty understanding simple instructions

• Becomes frustrated during communication

Our Approach at SCTSG

We provide:

• Comprehensive language assessments

• Goal-focused therapy

• Parent coaching

• Home programs

• Collaborative planning with educators

If you’re concerned about language development, early support makes a difference.

Refer online: https://www.sctherapysupport.au/make-a-referral

Call (02) 4421 6013.