Two languages. One connected family.

Begin with the languages of your life

ASHA’s family guidance encourages adults to use the languages they are comfortable with. It explains that using more than one language does not cause or worsen speech or language difficulties. Individual communication needs still deserve individual assessment.

Think about who spends time with your child and which languages are part of those relationships: grandparents, siblings, teachers and friends. Share that picture with the professionals supporting your family.

Ask for support you can actually use

Being able to read a website in your language is a start. Understanding the plan and feeling comfortable asking questions are just as important.

• Ask which languages the provider can use during visits and family meetings.
• Request explanations of unfamiliar words and written next steps you understand.
• Discuss how goals relate to communication with different family members.
• Ask how language background will be considered during assessment.

Make room for different ways to communicate

Tell the team about words, gestures, pictures or devices your child already uses. Ask how those forms of communication will be supported across people and settings.

You do not need to choose a language plan based on a social-media comment or another family’s experience. If you have questions about speech and language development, bring them to a speech-language pathologist who can consider your child’s full communication profile.