10 Early Signs of Speech and Language Delay Every Parent Should Know
When kids do not meet expected milestones during their growth, it is often a sign of disruption in their developmental characteristics. Speech and language delay can be associated with difficulty in reading, writing, shorter attention span, and socialization. We provide you with researched insights to guide the parents through early warning signs so that you can seek timely help from professionals.
Early Detection is Important
If speech and language delays are addressed and diagnosed early, children’s language skills will improve faster, their academic readiness will be improved, and behavioral issues can be controlled, strengthening their emotional and social growth.
If the child gets help early, they will have better long-term outcomes, as speech and language skills are the foundation for learning, relationships, and self-expression.
10 Early Warning Signs
1.6-12 months – no babbling/cooing
Baby not babbling (sounds like “ba-ba”, “da-da”) can be considered a warning and is worth paying attention to, as it is one of the earliest steps towards speaking.
2. 12 months – unresponsive to name
If your baby does not respond to their name when you call them by the time they turn one, it can be a sign of hearing or processing issues.
3.12-18 months – lack of gestures
If the baby is not making gestures such as pointing, waving, or reaching, even before talking, it can be a bad sign; lack of gestures should not go unnoticed.
4.18 months – limited vocabulary
Almost all toddlers speak several words by 18 months; if they do not speak at all or have a limited vocabulary, it can be a sign of delayed speech.
5.18-24 months—prefer gestures
Once they turn 2, if they still prefer gestures over speech, it is a signal of slower language development.
6.24-36 months – refuse using phrases
If your toddler such as “more milk” or “go park,” it indicates that they require professional evaluation.
7. Age 2 – Difficulty understanding and following
By age 2, if your toddler has difficulty understanding and following instructions like “sit down” or “come here,” it might be a sign of receptive language delays.
8. Age 3—Unclear speech
By age 3, adults who are familiar should understand what the child says; if the speech is unclear, it should be assessed.
9. Trouble Imitating and Using New Words
If the child has trouble imitating sounds or learning new words, it is a warning sign, as repetition of sounds is important to language growth.
10. Decline in Speech or Social Skills
It is important to seek help quickly if your toddler loses speaking skills or is not socially responding.
What Parents Should Do
Parents should track development during regular visits to the pediatrician, they should check hearing in order to rule out hearing loss, and they should encourage kids to use speech daily by reading, talking, singing, and playing with them. At last, parents should consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) early if anything is of concern.
FAQs
Q: Can bilingualism cause a delay in speaking?
A: No, bilingual kids follow the same developments, but they may mix certain words or show slightly slower vocabulary development in each language.
Q: Is it a delay if the child uses sign language instead of talking?
A: Not necessarily; sign language can help communication, but if they do not use words by 18-24 months, you can consult an SLP.
Q: Are pronunciation mistakes normal?
A: Yes, up until an age, if they replace sounds like “tat” for “cat,” it can be considered normal, but if they continue to make those errors past age 3, it might require attention.
Recognizing and seeking help for speech and language delays is the best approach, and it does not mean your child cannot catch up. If you take action at the right time, you can help them with the right tools early on. We are here to help you stay informed and empowered in this journey. Awareness leads to success. Remember, you are not alone.
