Nurturing communication from the very beginning.
Speech-Language Therapy
Every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves and connect with the world around them. Early intervention speech therapy services at Milk & Milestones are designed to support infants and toddlers from birth to age three, helping them develop essential communication skills during this critical period of growth.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The first three years of life are a time of rapid brain development, making it an ideal window for addressing speech and language difficulties. Early intervention can:
Enhance your child's ability to communicate their needs and thoughts.
Improve social interactions and relationships with family and peers.
Lay a strong foundation for future learning and academic success, as early intervention therapy is often linked to academic readiness and emerging literacy skills.
Reduce frustration and behavioral challenges associated with communication difficulties, and increase confidence.
Empower families by providing them with strategies to support their child's development at home.
Decrease the likelihood of requiring more intensive therapy later in life.
My Approach
At Milk & Milestones, I offer personalized, play-based therapy that integrates seamlessly into your family's daily routines and follows your child’s lead. My services include:
Comprehensive Evaluations: We begin with a thorough assessment to understand your child's unique needs and strengths.
Individualized Therapy Plans: Collaborating closely with you, I craft goals that are meaningful and achievable for your child, focusing on enhancing their communication abilities in the context of your family’s everyday life.
Family-Centered Sessions: I strive to empower parents and caregivers with strategies to support communication during typical activities like mealtime, play, and storytime, as well as focusing on aspects of routines that are particularly challenging.
Virtual Consultations: I am also able to offer one-off parent consultations and coaching for families in need of extra support!
Recognizing Communication Milestones
Understanding typical communication development can help you identify if your child might benefit from early intervention. Below are some of ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) and the CDC’s expected milestones for children from birth-3 years:
Birth - 3 Months
Startles at loud sounds.
Quiets or smiles when spoken to.
Makes cooing sounds.
Cries differently for different needs.
4 - 6 Months
Responds to changes in tone of voice.
Babbles with a variety of sounds.
Laughs and vocalizes excitement.
Begins to make sounds like "ba," "da," and "ga."
7 - 12 Months
Turns and looks in the direction of sounds.
Understands words like "no" and "bye-bye."
Babbles strings of sounds, such as "mamama" or "dadada."
Uses gestures like waving or pointing.
Imitates different speech sounds.
Says 1 or 2 words by first birthday.
12 - 18 Months
Says at least 10 to 15 words, including familiar names and objects.
Imitates simple words and sounds.
Follows simple one-step commands or directions.
Uses gestures like pointing, and nodding consistently to express needs.
19 - 24 Months
Says at least 50 words by 21 months.
Combines two words to form simple phrases, such as "more juice".
Can identify and name common objects and body parts when prompted.
Uses simple pronouns like "me," "you," and "my".
2 - 3 Years
Has a rapidly increasing vocabulary; seems to learn new words daily.
Used three- to four-word sentences, like "I want toy" or "Daddy go work."
Follows two-step directions, like "Pick up the toy and give it to me."
Speech is clearer, and mostly understood by familiar listeners
Asks simple questions, often beginning with "what," "where," or "why.”
Says their own name when asked.
Getting Started
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but know that I will support and empower you throughout the process with compassion and expertise. If you have any concerns about your child's speech or language development, please reach out.