Human speech and communication is complex. As a result, the language and speech skills we all use to talk to each other every day tend to develop slowly. In most cases, the process takes a number of years. Typically, a child will start to form their first words sometime between the ages of 6 and 11 months old. And it will take roughly five further years to develop the bulk of their speech and language skills. However, not all children develop at the same pace. For parents and caregivers, this can make identifying the early signs of speech and language delays in toddlers a challenge.

Speech and language delays can present in many ways and take a variety of forms. But prompt recognition of these delays can be important because early intervention often leads to improved outcomes. 

The challenge is that a child who is slow to start speaking or does not follow the “typical” expectation is not necessarily experiencing a delay that needs to be treated. Speech and language development is highly individualized. Some kids need less time and some children need more. When you are familiar with some of the most common signs of speech and language delays, you’ll be able to better recognize issues of concern. And that means you’ll be in a better position to offer the right help and seek appropriate assistance for your child.

What Does Typical Speech Development Look Like?

While recognizing the signs of a speech language delay can be important, it’s also useful to understand what typical speech development may look like. Again, this is not going to be the experience for every child, but it does provide a useful set of benchmarks that can help track your child’s progression.

• Birth to 5 months old: At this very early age, your baby won’t necessarily understand language, but they should be making sounds (for example, cooing). Vocalizations expressing pleasure and displeasure will typically be different. And while your baby won’t necessarily understand you, they will make reciprocal noises and vocalizations when they are spoken to.

• 6 months to 11 months old: In the second half of their first year, many children will start to understand and even use some basic sounds. For example, most children this age will begin to understand what simple words such as “no” mean. They may even say “mama” or “dada,” though these utterances may not yet be attached to any specific context. Your child may try to repeat the sounds you make, though there isn’t likely to be any overt understanding of those words.

• 12 months to 17 months old: By a year and a half old, most children will have developed a vocabulary of somewhere between 4-6 words. They may be able to nonverbally acknowledge and understand more words, even if they can’t say those words.

• 18 months to 23 months old: As your child approaches two years old, they will become significantly more comfortable with language. By this point, most children can easily say roughly 50 words, and they can label simple things accurately. For example, most kids this age can ask for their favorite food or their favorite toy by name.

• 2 years to 3 years old: At this age, most children can typically begin to regularly create and say sentences around three words long. They’ll usually understand pronouns (such as “you” and “I”) and use descriptive words. Their speech will tend to be more accurate, though they will still be developing certain sounds, so some words may not sound quite right.

• 3 years to 4 years old: Around the ages of four and five years old, most children will be able to start expressing more complex ideas with their words. They may even start having some fun with language too (for example, making up words or pushing the boundaries of what words may mean). There may continue to be some difficult words and speech sounds, especially when it comes to vowels. But your child will generally be comfortable with words that begin and end in consonants.

• 4 years and older: By age 5, your child should be able to handle most linguistic concepts and speech sounds. Sentences will become more complex and descriptive as well, and will generally be up to eight words long.

This list is not exhaustive, but it does provide an idea of what a typical linguistic and speech progression looks like in children. Not all children will follow this process exactly, and there is always some variation from individual to individual. But knowing a general outline of what to expect gives parents some idea of what to look for.

Common Signs of Speech Delays in Young Children

A firmer understanding of typical speech and language progression in children can also allow parents to more effectively notice common signs of a speech language delay when it occurs. Many parents imagine such a delay as an all-encompassing shut down of communication. But that’s not necessarily the case. A speech language delay does not always mean that your child cannot say or communicate anything. Instead, the first signs are often subtle and may seem isolated. 

Some of the most common signs of early speech and language delays include the following:

• Birth to 3 months old: Generally, babies should be smiling at and interacting with others at this point. If your child doesn’t seem to acknowledge others or seems disinterested, there may be something interfering with their ability to hear or communicate.

• 4 months to 7 months old: Most babies at this age will babble quite frequently. If your baby isn’t babbling and instead stays quiet, this could be an indication of a speech or language problem.

• 7 months to 12 months old: If your child is not using gestures by the one year mark, there may be a speech or language developmental reason why. This is something that can be discussed with your child’s pediatrician.

• 12 months to 18 months old: In general, most children start using words by the ages of 12 to 18 months. But if a child prefers to use gestures (or relies on gestures exclusively), this may be an indication of a delay.

• 18 months to 24 months old: If your child experiences difficulty imitating sounds or understanding you when you make simple verbal requests, that could mean something is interfering with or obstructing their speech and language skills.

• After 2 years old: If your child reaches the age of two years old and demonstrates a significant problem with following directions or has a raspy or otherwise unusual voice, you may want to talk to their pediatrician about a possible delay. Additionally, if your child isn’t producing words spontaneously or uses words very sparingly, a speech or language delay may be present.

There may be other presentations of speech and language delays that are not covered on this list. For parents, it’s important to keep an eye out for small signs of delays and issues, as prompt and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes. 

Activities to Encourage Speech Development

There are a number of possible causes of a speech and language delay, including hearing impairments. If you notice any possible signs of speech or language delays, you should discuss them with your child’s pediatrician. If warranted, your child’s pediatrician can then refer you to an appropriate specialist to get your child screened and begin any necessary treatments. 

Whether your child is receiving additional treatment or not, there are some things that parents can do at home to help facilitate speech and language development. Some of those activities include the following:

• Story time: Try to read to your child regularly. Not only will they enjoy the story (and the bonding that comes with it), but it helps get your child acquainted with language and speech sounds in an engaging and playful setting.

• Keep talking: It may seem odd, but talking throughout the day can also really help. Sometimes this may feel like simply narrating your way through the day. Exposure to speech and language in this context, even if not necessarily directed at your child, can help!

• Talk, sing, and more: Using language playfully and consistently around your child can also help them start to become acquainted with speech sounds.

It’s important to remember that speech and language delays are often just that: delays. Given enough time and attention, children can often catch up on these skills (assuming that any underlying issues are addressed). 

These activities won’t necessarily cure or absolve a speech or language delay. But they can help minimize symptoms and speed up a recovery. And in cases where that recovery may not be possible, these activities will provide extra enrichment and new skills for your child to use and rely on.

Mitigating and minimizing speech and language delays often depends on prompt treatment. That’s why it’s often important to discuss options and referrals with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible.

If your child is a patient here at Children’s Healthcare Associates, you can make an appointment with their pediatrician at our Northbrook or Chicago offices today!