National Speech, Language, & Hearing Month: What Parents Should Know
Why Does National Speech, Language, & Hearing Month Matter? Speech and language skills don’t just affect how a child talks—these skills influence how children understand others, express their ideas, and succeed across environments. Hearing also plays a critical role in children’s development. Even mild hearing impairments can impact speech development and learning. Early Signs to Watch For: Parents are often the first to notice when their child isn’t hitting developmental milestones. Consider seeking guidance if your child: Isn’t babbling or using gestures by 12 months Has limited vocabulary compared to their same-aged peers Struggles to follow directions Is difficult for others to understand Talk, read, and sing with your child regularly Encourage turn-taking in conversations (pause regularly to allow your
