Join pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP as she discusses effective techniques to treat expressive language delays in toddlers. When there are no other developmental red flags (like decreased interest in social interaction, increased activity level and super short attention span, won't play with toys, does not follow directions), here's the method I use. Teach Imitation! Begin with actions with objects... Introduce gestures...Analyze nonverbal actions a child might imitate...Get noisy...Begin exclamatory words/play sounds...Try automatic speech...Teach FUNCTIONAL single words...Move on to phrases. Listen to the show for this hierarchy... it works!! Read the entire post at teachmetotalk.com: