Speech and language disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists. Island Hospital currently has two pediatric speech-language pathologists accepting new clients – Dr. Linda Newman-Kennedy and Traci Cruz. Speech is the ability to produce speech sounds using the mouth, lips, and tongue. A child may say sounds the wrong way, repeat sounds and words, or be otherwise difficult to understand. Language is the ability to use and put words together—and to understand others’ words. A child may have trouble understanding questions, following directions, or naming objects. Early speech and language treatment sets a child up for future school and social success. Island Hospital pediatric speech-language pathologists share some of the following warning signs for parents to watch for in young children: Does not babble (4–7 months) Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months) Does not understand what others say (7 months–2 years) Says only a few words (12–18 months) Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years) Words are not easily understood (18 months–2 years) Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years) Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years) Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years) Repeating the first sounds of words, like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (any age) … Read More