Speech and language development is a crucial part of a child’s overall growth, and while each child progresses at their own pace, there are key milestones that help track typical development. When children fall behind on these milestones, it could be a sign of a speech or language delay. Recognising these signs early allows for timely intervention, which can make a significant difference in the child’s communication and learning abilities. Here are some important signs parents should be aware of when monitori
ng their child’s speech and language development.
1. Lack of Babbling by 12 Months
Babbling is an important early step in speech development. If a baby isn’t babbling, cooing, or making other vocal sounds by the age of 12 months, this could be an early indicator of a delay. Babies typically experiment with different sounds as they get ready to form their first words. If they are very quiet or not making sounds consistently, it’s worth exploring further.
2. Limited Vocabulary by 18 Months
By the age of 18 months, most children have a small but growing vocabulary of up to 50 words. If your toddler is not speaking at least 10-15 words or is having difficulty learning new words, this could be a sign of a language delay. Similarly, if they are only using a limited number of sounds or have difficulty imitating words, it’s worth seeking advice from a speech-language pathologist.
3. Difficulty Combining Words by Age 2
By the time a child reaches two years old, they should start combining two or more words into simple phrases, like "more juice" or "big truck." If a child is still not using two-word combinations or their speech is very hard to understand, this may be an indication of a speech or language delay.
4. Challenges Following Simple Instructions
A child’s ability to understand language is just as important as their ability to speak. By 18-24 months, children should be able to follow simple one-step instructions such as “Come here” or “Give me the toy.” If a child seems to have trouble understanding or following basic directions, this could point to a delay in receptive language skills, which is their ability to understand and process language.
5. Inconsistent Eye Contact or Social Interaction
Communication isn't just about words; it involves gestures, eye contact, and social interaction. If your child is not responding to their name, avoiding eye contact, or showing little interest in communicating with others, these could be early signs of a communication delay or other developmental concerns. These are important aspects of social communication, which help lay the foundation for language development.
6. Difficulty with Pronunciation or Articulation
By the age of three, most of what a child says should be understood by familiar listeners. If your child is difficult to understand or frequently mispronounces words beyond the expected “cute toddler speech” phase, it may indicate an articulation or phonological delay. While some speech errors are typical in early development, certain patterns may need professional support to avoid persisting into school age.
7. Regression in Speech or Language Skills
If a child who was previously talking or using language suddenly stops or regresses, this is a red flag. Language regression can be associated with certain developmental disorders and should be addressed with a healthcare professional immediately. Early intervention in these cases is essential.
What to Do if You Notice Signs of a Speech or Language Delay
If you suspect your child may have a speech or language delay, it’s important to seek guidance from a qualified speech-language pathologist. Early assessment and intervention can prevent potential difficulties down the road in areas such as literacy and social communication. Speech therapy tailored to your child’s needs can help them develop critical communication skills and boost their confidence.
Additionally, as a parent, there are ways you can encourage language development at home. Reading to your child regularly, engaging in conversations, and offering them opportunities to express themselves can all contribute to their speech and language growth. Offering choices and speaking to your child using typical adult-like language are other strategies to help language and speech development.
While every child develops at their own pace, understanding the signs of a speech or language delay is key to ensuring they get the support they need. If you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out for an evaluation. Early identification and intervention make a world of difference in helping children communicate confidently and thrive in their social and academic environments.
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- Allanah (Speech Therapist)
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