As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their growth and development. Speech and language skills are crucial for a child’s ability to communicate effectively. However, identifying delays in these areas can sometimes be challenging. Knowing the early signs that your child may need speech therapy can make a big difference in their development. This guide will help you understand what to watch for and when to consider seeking help.
Speech and Language Development Milestones
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, there are some general milestones for speech and language that can help you track your child’s progress:
- By 12 months: Your child should be able to babble, make sounds like “da-da” or “ma-ma,” and respond to simple requests, such as “wave bye-bye.”
- By 18 months: You may notice your child using single words like “dog” or “ball.” They should also be able to understand simple instructions.
- By 2 years: Your child should be forming two-word sentences like “more milk” or “big truck,” and they should have a vocabulary of about 50 words.
- By 3 years: They should be able to speak in short sentences, be understood by familiar people, and follow two-step directions like “get your shoes and come here.”
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, it might be time to consider speech therapy.
Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays
Here are some common signs that may suggest your child needs speech therapy:
1. Limited Babbling or Sound Making
Babbling is an essential step in speech development. If your child is not babbling by 12 months or making fewer sounds than expected, this could be an early indicator of a delay.
2. Trouble Understanding Simple Instructions
If your child has difficulty understanding and following simple commands by the time they reach 18 months, this may point to a language comprehension issue.
3. Difficulty with Words and Sentences
By age 2, your child should be starting to combine words to form simple sentences. If your child is only using a few words or not putting them together, it could be a sign of a speech delay.
4. Poor Pronunciation
While it’s normal for toddlers to mispronounce words, ongoing struggles to articulate words correctly as they get older may indicate a speech issue.
5. Lack of Social Communication
Children often use gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions as part of their communication, even before they start talking. If your child avoids eye contact, gestures infrequently, or doesn’t try to communicate in other ways, it could suggest a problem with their social communication skills.
6. Stuttering or Difficulty Speaking
Some children may have trouble forming words smoothly, leading to stuttering or hesitation when speaking. While mild stuttering can be common, ongoing difficulty could benefit from speech therapy.
7. Not Speaking Clearly by Age 3
By age 3, strangers should be able to understand about 75% of what your child says. If they are hard to understand, even to family members, this could indicate the need for child speech pathology intervention.
What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is a specialised form of support that helps children improve their speech and language skills. Speech pathologists work with children to develop their ability to understand and use language, helping them express themselves more clearly. Early intervention in speech therapy can be vital in helping children overcome delays and build confidence in their communication.
When to Seek Help
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s a good idea to consult with a speech pathologist. They can assess your child’s speech and language development, provide a diagnosis, and create a plan for therapy if needed. Early intervention can significantly improve your child’s progress, helping them to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
The Role of the Stronger Together Foundation
At the STF (Stronger Together Foundation), we believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, don’t wait. Our team of experienced speech pathologists is here to help guide you through the process of getting the support your child needs.
If you’re worried about your child’s speech or language development, contact the STF today. We offer professional assessments and therapy sessions designed to address individual needs. Early intervention is key—let’s work together to help your child communicate with confidence.
Understanding the early signs of speech and language delays can make a significant difference in your child’s development. Speech therapy can provide the tools they need to thrive. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for guidance.
