Speech Delays in Children: When to Be Concerned

Dr.Gaurav Jain, 3 mins read

As a parent, it’s obvious to have concerns about your child's development, especially when it comes to speech and language skills. Such skills are important for every individual to communicate and have a normal life. 

Most children usually say their first word when they are 12 to 18 months old. In some cases, you may have to wait more to hear their first word, which obviously raises your concerns. 

But remember, speech delays can be a common issue, affecting almost 10% of preschool children. However, with early identification and intervention, children can catch up and thrive. 

This blog will explore the signs of speech delays, when to be concerned, and what steps you can take to support your child's language development. So, without any further ado, let’s get started:

What is Speech Delay?

Speech refers to producing sounds and saying words. Children with delayed speech often have difficulty forming the correct sounds to make words. It’s also possible that they have a language delay as well. 

That means they can make the correct sounds and say the word properly, but they will have a problem with meaningful phrases or sentences. They may even have a problem understanding others. 

Understand that speech delay is different from language delay. However, both can overlap sometimes.

Signs of Speech Delay

Some common signs of speech delays include:

• Limited vocabulary for their age
• Difficulty articulating words or sounds. Say simple words like “Papa” or “Dada” either clearly or unclearly by the age of 12 to 18 months.
• Struggling to form sentences or follow conversations
• Trouble understanding simple instructions or questions
• Frustration or avoidance of communication

When to be Concerned

If you notice any of the following, discuss with an experienced and licensed paediatrician or a speech-language pathologist:

• By 12 months: No babbling or making sounds
• By 18 months: No single clear words or gestures
• By 2 years: Limited vocabulary (less than 50 words) or no two-word phrases
• By 3 years: Difficulty understanding simple instructions or forming short sentences

Causes of Speech Delay

Speech delays can result from various factors, such as:

• Developmental variations
• Hearing loss or ear infections
• Neurological conditions (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy)
• Genetic predispositions
• Environmental factors (e.g., limited language exposure)

Tips to Support Your Child's Speech & Language Development

• Talk and read to them regularly
• Respond positively to their attempts to communicate
• Don’t force them to speak. Be gentle.
• Use clear and simple language
• Encourage social interactions with others
• Seek a doctor’s help if you have concerns

Takeaway!

Speech or language delays can be a challenge and a big concern for parents. However, the good news is that with early identification and support, children can overcome these difficulties. Being aware of the signs and seeking help when needed, you can give your child the best possible start in life.

If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, consult with a paediatrician or a speech-language pathologist at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, New Delhi. We have a team of paediatricians who will assess your child's needs and provide personalised guidance and support.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace. With love, patience, and the right support, your child can thrive and reach their full potential.