Speech and language disorders are among the most common disorders that young children experience. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 11% of children ages 3–6 have a speech, language, voice or swallowing disorder. Most speech and language disorders are highly treatable, but the earlier parents and caregivers seek help for their child, the better.
Now there is a free and convenient resource for parents and caregivers who have concerns about their child’s speech and language development. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Identify the Signs campaign and Bright by Text , have joined forces to provide a free resource for families of children ages 2–6. Bright by Text, a national nonprofit that sends parents and caregivers tips by text that are timed to a child’s exact age, will send parents and caregivers text messages about expected speech and language milestones, warning signs of delays or disorders, suggested activities to encourage communication development, and information on how to find professional help and treatment if necessary.
This new speech and language resource is part of the larger Bright by Text program, which provides information from trusted early childhood experts to parents/caregivers of children from prenatal to age eight.
Families can sign up by texting TALK to 274-448 for free resources and tips. The service is available in both English and Spanish.
For more information, visit https://brightbytext.org/ and www.IdentifytheSigns.org.