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For many parents, few moments are as exciting as hearing their child’s first words. However, when speech and language milestones are delayed, it can lead to worry and uncertainty. Recognising the early signs of a speech or language delay can help ensure timely support and intervention, giving children the best chance to thrive in their communication development. Identifying a delay in a child's ability to speak or understand language can make a significant difference in their overall growth.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 signs of speech and language delay that every parent should be aware of to help ensure their child gets the support they need for future communication success.
#1: Delayed or Lack of Babbling
Babbling is an essential precursor to speech. Babies typically start babbling between 4 and 6 months. If a baby does not babble or makes very few sounds by 6 to 12 months, it may indicate a delay in speech development. A lack of babbling could suggest difficulty with sound production or a hearing issue.
#2: Not Responding to Their Name
By 12 months, most babies recognise and respond to their name when called. If your child consistently does not respond to their name, it could indicate a hearing issue or a language processing delay. This may be an early sign that they are struggling with language comprehension.
#3: Lack of Interest in Communication
Children naturally engage in conversations, gestures, and play to communicate. If your child shows little interest in communicating with others, does not interact much with others, or does not attempt to express themselves through words or gestures, this could be a sign of a language delay.
#4: Limited Imitation of Others
Imitation is a crucial learning tool for children, supporting the development of both language and social skills. When children have difficulty imitating sounds, gestures, or actions—whether it's repeating words or mimicking actions in play—it may indicate a delay in communication development. Imitation helps children learn how to interact with others and express themselves. Typically, imitation of motor actions (like gestures or physical movements) precedes the imitation of words. If a child consistently struggles with imitation, it may suggest underlying issues, such as a language delay or social communication challenge, that could benefit from early intervention.
#5: Frequent Use of Non-Verbal Communication
Gestures like pointing, waving, and raising arms play an important role in early communication. However, as children grow older and their communication skills develop, they typically begin to use words more than gestures. If a child continues to rely heavily on pointing, waving, or other non-verbal cues instead of verbalizing their needs or thoughts after the age of 2, it may indicate a delay in speech and language development.
#6: Difficulty with Comprehension
By the age of two, most children should begin to understand two-step commands, such as "wash your hands" or "sit down." By age three, children can typically respond to simple wh- questions such as who, what, and where questions. If your child seems unable to understand or follow simple directions, or struggles to answer questions, it could signal a delay in language comprehension. If not addressed early, this difficulty may continue into later years.
#7: Limited Vocabulary
Babies begin to use words gradually, starting with familiar terms like "mama," "papa," and "ball" around their first birthdays. Their vocabulary grows quickly as they absorb language from their environment and interact with caregivers. By 18 months, most children have a productive vocabulary of about 50 words. By the age of 2, this expands to around 300 words, and they begin to combine words into simple phrases. If your child has a limited vocabulary or struggles to learn new words, it may signal a speech delay. A lack of age-appropriate vocabulary can hinder communication and lead to frustration.
#8: Difficulty Putting Words Together
Most children begin forming two-word sentences between one and two years old. For instance, your child might say, “Daddy go” or “more milk.” If your child struggles to combine words into phrases or sentences, it may be a sign of a language delay. Difficulty in structuring sentences can affect their ability to express needs and thoughts effectively.
#9: Frustration During Communication
Children with speech or language delays often become frustrated when trying to communicate because they struggle to express themselves. This frustration may result in frequent tantrums, withdrawal from social situations, or reluctance to engage in conversations.
#10: Unclear Speech
While it is normal for toddlers to mispronounce some words, their speech should become clearer as they grow. By the age of three, most of what they say should be understood by familiar listeners. If the speech of your child remains consistently unclear or difficult to understand, it may indicate a speech delay. For more information on speech milestones, please click here.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you observe any of these signs in your child, consider consulting a speech and language therapist for a professional assessment. By staying informed and proactive, parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child’s speech and language growth. Recognising early signs, such as limited vocabulary, unclear speech, and difficulty understanding instructions, can help ensure timely intervention.
Early intervention can help address any issues and support your child’s communication development - boosting their confidence and helping them succeed in social and academic settings, allowing them to reach their full potential. For more information on language milestones, please click here.
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