/ Language
How you understand and express messages
Language is the how a person is able to understand and express messages when communicating. From using their first words around 1 year of age to complex story-telling in their school years, language is critical to our connection to others and academic success.
Common Reasons to Refer:
Children 1 - 4 years of age:
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No first word (signed or spoken) by 16 months
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Not yet using ~30 words by 18 months
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Little or no use of early grammar (e.g., adding "ing" like in running, adding "s" like in apples)
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Difficulty following 1-step directions at 1 year, 2-step directions at 2 years or 3-step directions at 3 years
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Difficulty answering choice and yes-no questions between 1-2 years of age
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Difficulty answering "wh" questions between 3-4 years of age
Children 5+ years of age:
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Difficulty understanding new vocabulary or using more complex vocabulary
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Difficulty with more complex grammar (e.g., saying "goed" instead of went)
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Difficulty following more complicated directions
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Difficulty understanding and talking about books, TV shows or movies
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Difficulty telling a story from their real life
Learn more about language on the blog
With 25-33% kids not reading and writing on grade level in Ontario, here are options if your child is having literacy challenges.