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The Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays: When Should You Seek Help?

by | Speech Therapy

As a parent or caregiver, watching your child develop communication skills is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. Every giggle, babble, and attempt to communicate reflects growth in their speech and language development. However, for some children, these milestones might not come as easily, and early signs of speech and language delays may begin to surface.

In this blog, we’ll explore the early indicators of speech and language difficulties, how these issues can impact a child’s development, and when you should seek help from a pediatric speech therapist. Understanding these signs early and seeking timely intervention can help your child overcome any hurdles and thrive in their communication skills. Our licensed speech-language pathologists (SLP) at Michigan Pediatric Therapy are here to help!

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Why Is Speech and Language Development Important?

Speech and language skills are critical to a child’s overall development. Not only do they impact a child’s ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings, but they also influence social skills, academic success, and emotional well-being. Early language development is closely linked to cognitive abilities and social interactions, making it a fundamental aspect of a child’s growth.

What Are the Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays?

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are specific speech and language milestones that serve as a general guide for what’s typical at various ages. If your child is falling behind in meeting these developmental milestones, it may be a sign of a speech or language delay. Below are the key indicators of speech and language delays in infants and young children:
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Lack of Babbling by 6 to 9 Months

Babbling is a crucial precursor to speech. By the age of 6 months, babies usually start experimenting with sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da.” This is their way of practicing the movements necessary for later speech development. If your baby is not babbling by 9 months, it could be an early indicator of a speech delay.
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Limited Sound Variety by 12 Months

By the first year, babies should begin to make a range of sounds. If your baby is only producing a few sounds, or their vocalizations are monotonous, it may suggest a speech delay. At this age, babies should also be responding to their name, understanding simple commands like “no” or “come,” and pointing or gesturing to communicate.
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Not Saying Words by 18 Months

By 18 months, most children can say several words, even if they aren’t pronounced perfectly. If your child isn’t using words to express their needs or desires by this age, it may indicate a language delay. Some children might rely heavily on gestures to communicate instead of using words.
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Limited Vocabulary by Age 2

By the time a child reaches their second birthday, they should have a vocabulary of about 50 words and be able to combine two words into simple sentences like “more juice” or “big truck.” If your child’s vocabulary is limited, or if they seem to struggle with combining words, this can be a red flag for a language delay.
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Inability to Follow Simple Instructions

By 24 months, your child should be able to follow simple directions like “please give me the ball” or “sit down.” Difficulty understanding and following basic instructions could be a sign of a language comprehension issue.
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Difficulty Making Eye Contact or Responding to Speech

Communication is not just about words—body language, gestures, and eye contact play vital roles. If your child avoids eye contact, seems disinterested in interacting with others, or does not respond to speech (especially when their name is called), this could indicate a potential speech or language delay.
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Not Combining Words by Age 3

By age 3, children should be combining words into simple sentences, such as “I want cookie” or “Where is mommy?” If your child is still relying on single words or is not able to form basic sentences, it’s essential to seek help.
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Unclear Speech or Difficulty Pronouncing Sounds

Although some speech errors are expected at this age, such as mispronouncing certain sounds, a significant lack of clarity in speech or the inability to produce certain sounds (e.g., “p,” “b,” “m,” or “d”) can be a sign of an articulation or phonological disorder.
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Why Early Intervention Matters

If you notice any of the above signs in your child, it’s essential to seek help early. Early intervention is key because young children’s brains are incredibly adaptable, and timely intervention can help them overcome many speech and language challenges. Research shows that the earlier a child receives speech therapy, the better their outcomes in communication and learning.

Delaying intervention may lead to further challenges in social interactions, school performance, and even emotional development. A child who cannot communicate effectively may become frustrated or withdrawn, which can impact their self-esteem and behavior.

If you are concerned about your child’s speech development, talk to their pediatrician and ask for a referral for speech therapy. We’d be happy to setup an evaluation with you today!

What Can Cause Speech and Language Delays?

Speech and language delays can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
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Hearing Loss

If a child cannot hear properly, they may have difficulty learning to speak. It’s essential to rule out any hearing issues if you suspect a speech or language delay.
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Developmental Disorders

Conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Down syndrome may impact speech and language development.
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Oral-Motor Issues

Some children may have difficulty coordinating the muscles used for speech, leading to challenges in articulation or forming sounds.
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Environmental Factors

A lack of exposure to language, inconsistent caregiving, or trauma can also affect a child’s speech development.
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When Should You Seek Help from a Pediatric Speech Therapist?

The moment you suspect that your child may have a speech or language delay, it’s a good idea to consult with a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist. Don’t wait until the delay becomes more pronounced. A professional speech therapist, like ours in Farmington Hills, MI, can assess your child’s communication skills and recommend a tailored intervention plan.

Here are some scenarios in which you should consider seeking professional help:

 

  • Your child is not meeting age-appropriate communication milestones.
  • You notice a regression in your child’s speech skills.
  • Your child gets frustrated or upset when trying to communicate.
  • There are concerns from teachers, daycare providers, or other caregivers about your child’s communication abilities.

What to Expect in Speech Therapy

Speech therapy for children with speech and language delays is individualized based on the child’s needs. Our speech therapist will begin by conducting an assessment, which may involve observing the child’s communication in different settings, evaluating their speech and language abilities, and possibly administering formal tests.Therapy sessions are typically designed to be fun and engaging, using play-based techniques to encourage communication. Activities may include:
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Modeling Speech Sounds

The therapist may demonstrate how to produce specific sounds and guide the child in practicing them.
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Language Development Activities

This might involve storytelling, reading, or structured play to help build vocabulary and sentence formation.
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Interactive Games

Games that promote turn-taking, listening, and following instructions can help strengthen communication skills.
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Parent Training

Speech therapists often provide caregivers with strategies to support the child’s communication development at home.
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Tips for Parents to Encourage Speech Development

In addition to working with a speech therapist, there are many things you can do at home to support your child’s speech and language development:
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Talk to Your Child Frequently

Narrate your daily activities and describe what you’re doing. This helps expose your child to new words and concepts.
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Read Together

Reading is one of the best ways to build language skills. Choose age-appropriate books, and ask your child questions about the story to encourage engagement.
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Be Patient and Encourage Communication

Give your child time to express themselves, and don’t rush them. Celebrate their attempts to communicate, even if they aren’t perfect.
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Play Interactive Games

Games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake promote language and social interaction.
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Limit Screen Time

Excessive screen time can reduce the amount of verbal interaction your child experiences, which can impact language development.
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Conclusion: Taking Action Early

Speech and language development is a critical aspect of a child’s growth, and recognizing the early signs of delays can make a significant difference in your child’s future. If your child is showing signs of speech or language delay, don’t hesitate to seek help from a pediatric speech therapist. With early intervention, the right strategies, and plenty of support, your child can develop the communication skills they need to succeed in life.

By understanding the early indicators of speech delays and taking action, you are giving your child the best chance to thrive. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—consulting with professionals can make all the difference in your child’s speech and language success. The licensed SLPs at Michigan Pediatric Therapy would be honored to help your child on their journey to improved communication!

Michigan Pediatric Therapy
📍 27655 Middlebelt Rd., Suite 130, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
📞 (248) 939-4030
🌐 mipediatrictherapy.com

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