Help parents find language development resources

Many parents question what's normal and what their children should be doing at different ages. More and more, parents are turning to their local libraries for advice. Besides being empathetic supporters and referring parents to the rich resources within our libraries that detail language-development milestones for young children, librarians need to provide parents with precise information on the wide range of community services and resources available to them. Although librarians are not in a position to diagnose any problems or delays that children may have, it is important for us to help children who are at risk of reading failure before they enter school.

Children with language delays and disorders are at a much higher risk for literacy problems. In fact, the risk is so great that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org) recommends early literacy intervention for all children with speech and language delays. Research suggests that approximately 60 to 80 percent of these children will have difficulty learning to read. Early intervention gives a child the best chance of success. Children with communication delays can be treated from infancy. Unfortunately, many children who are at risk might not be identified until they reach second or third grade.

Because all children develop differently, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just quiet or if he or she might have a language disorder. This can only be diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist. Learn how to access qualified professionals who can evaluate and treat children with language disorders by becoming aware of the resources in your community. Knowing these will help you feel more comfortable suggesting where parents might access the appropriate professional assistance.

What are some of the best ways to interact with concerned parents? When asked specific questions about a child's development, convey your concern and then present some concrete options for parents in terms of getting help. While the first stop is often the pediatrician's office, parents can also access their county's Early Intervention Program, which is usually free. Even if a child is not old enough to attend kindergarten, many school districts provide speech-language pathology services through an Early Intervention Program. Some community clinics or child-care centers will also offer free speech, language, and hearing screenings. By the way, it is critical that librarians model the use of appropriate person-first terminology by using descriptions such as "children with communication disorders" and avoiding phrases such as "language-delayed child" and "autistic child." All children should be regarded as children first!

Emphasize the importance of speaking to a speech-language pathologist, a licensed professional who can screen for, diagnose, and treat language delays. If a parent suspects a problem with a child's communication skills, talking with a qualified speech-language pathologist can be very helpful. Most of them are willing to answer parents' questions over the phone at no charge.

Jennifer Larsen, director of the Language and Literacy Program at the Hearing and Speech Institute in Portland, OR, cites these early warning signs of potential language delays:

• Does not babble using a variety of different sounds by age nine months.
• Does not understand five to 10 common words (body parts, common pictures) by 12 months.
• No words by age 18 months.
• Does not appear to understand simple, one-step directions by age 18 months.
• Fewer than 50 words by 24 months.
• No word combinations by 30 months.
• Obvious, consistent frustration during attempts to communicate.
• Difficulty interacting with peers.
• Child is very difficult to understand compared to other children the same age.

Remember, the sooner children with language delays receive the help they need, the more likely they will be proficient, independent readers when they enter third grade.