Are there any signs my child will exhibit if she/he has a delay?
Compliments of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Identify the Signs
Here are some of the signs to help you determine if your child has a speech, language, or hearing disorder. More information about identifying the signs of communication disorders is available at Identify The Signs.
Signs of a Language Disorder
- Doesn’t smile or interact with others (birth–3 months)
- Doesn’t babble (4–7 months)
- Makes few sounds (7–12 months)
- Does not use gestures (e.g., waving, pointing) (7–12 months)
- Doesn’t understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
- Says only a few words (12–18 months)
- Doesn’t put words together to make sentences (1½–3 years)
- Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2–3 years)
- Has problems with early reading and writing skills—for example, may not show an interest in books or drawing (2½–3 years)
Ways to Help With Language Disorders
- Listen and respond to your child
- Talk, read, and play with your child
- Communicate with your child in the language that you are most comfortable using
- Know that it’s good to teach your child to speak a second language
- Talk about what you are doing and what your child is doing
- Use a lot of different words with your child
- Use longer sentences as your child gets older
- Have your child play with other children
Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder
- Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)
- Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
- Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)
Ways to Help With Speech Sound Disorders
- Say the sounds correctly when you talk—it’s okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds
- Don’t correct speech sounds—it’s more important to let your child keep talking
Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency)
- Struggles to say sounds or words (2½–3 years)
- Repeats first sounds of words—”b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (2½–3 years)
- Pauses a lot while talking (2½–3 years)
- Stretches sounds out—”f-f-f-f-farm” for “farm” (2½–3 years)
Ways to Help With Stuttering or Disfluency
- Give your child time to talk
- Do not interrupt or stop your child while he or she is speaking
- See an SLP if you are concerned (Many young children stutter for a short period of time; in most cases, the stuttering will stop.)
Signs of a Voice Disorder
- Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
- Uses a nasal-sounding voice
Ways to Help With Voice Disorders
- See a doctor if your child sounds hoarse or breathy or has a nasal-sounding voice
- Tell your child not to shout or scream
- Keep your child away from cigarette smoke
Audiologists help with hearing loss.
Signs of a Hearing Loss
- Shows lack of attention to sounds (birth–1 year)
- Doesn’t respond when you call his/her name (7 months–1 year)
- Doesn’t follow simple directions (1–2 years)
- Shows delays in speech and language development (birth–3 years)
Ways to Help With Hearing Loss
- See an audiologist if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening
- Go to an audiologist if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth).
- Ask your audiologist about the need for hearing aids or cochlear implants