Speech development in children is a fascinating and complex process, involving a child’s ability to understand and use language. Many parents observe their child’s progress with keen interest, often wondering if their development aligns with typical patterns. A “speech delay” is when a child does not meet expected communication milestones for their age. While children develop at their own pace, certain signs can indicate a need for closer attention and professional guidance.
Understanding Typical Speech Milestones
Children typically follow a predictable sequence in acquiring speech and language skills, though the exact timing can vary.
From birth to five months, infants begin cooing and making different sounds to express pleasure or displeasure, often vocalizing when spoken to. By 6 to 11 months, they usually respond to their name and simple words like “no,” start babbling with sounds like “ba-ba-ba” or “ma-ma,” and may attempt their first word.
Between 12 and 17 months, a child’s vocabulary typically expands to a few words, and they may try to imitate simple words. They also begin to understand simple commands, such as “put the ball in the box,” and can answer simple non-verbal questions.
As children approach 18 to 23 months, their vocabulary grows to around 50 words, and they often begin combining two words to form phrases like “more milk.” At this stage, they can usually point to body parts and understand action words.
By two to three years of age, a child’s speech becomes more accurate, though some sounds may still be unclear to unfamiliar listeners. They typically use around 100 words by two years and begin forming three-word sentences. They also start using pronouns like “you” or “me” and understanding spatial concepts such as “in” or “on.”
Key Indicators of a Potential Delay
Observing certain communication patterns can help identify a potential speech delay, signaling a need for further investigation.
One such indicator is a lack of babbling by 9 to 12 months. Similarly, if a child is not using gestures like waving or pointing by 12 months, or not saying at least one word, it is a sign.
A limited vocabulary for their age is another sign; for instance, not having 50 words by 24 months. Difficulty combining two words into phrases by age two, or using grunts and points instead of verbal communication, warrants attention. Concerns arise if a child cannot follow simple directions or struggles to understand simple questions.
Persistent unintelligible speech is a consideration; by age two, about 50% of a child’s speech should be understandable to non-family members, increasing to 75% by age three and 100% by age four. If a child becomes frustrated or angry when attempting to communicate, this can indicate underlying speech difficulties.
When to Consult a Professional
Parents often wonder about the appropriate time to seek professional input regarding their child’s speech.
If concerns about a child’s communication development persist, consulting a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist is advisable. Early detection and intervention are beneficial for addressing speech delays.
Seeking an evaluation is advisable if a child is not meeting speech milestones or if there is a regression in previously acquired words. Concerns about hearing loss or other developmental conditions, which can influence speech, warrant professional assessment. Seeking an evaluation is helpful if concerns continue.
What to Expect from an Evaluation
A speech and language evaluation is performed by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) to assess a child’s communication skills.
During the evaluation, the SLP gathers information about the child’s developmental and medical history from the parents. This includes questions about overall development, including feeding and hearing history.
The evaluation involves observing the child in play and interaction, along with standardized speech and language tests. These tests help determine the child’s current communication skill level in areas such as understanding directions, speaking clearly, and sentence formation. The SLP may perform a physical examination of the child’s mouth and face to assess speech motor skills. Finally, the SLP discusses findings and, if necessary, recommends a plan to support the child’s speech development.