Speech and language development is one of the most important milestones in a child’s early years.
You will agreed with me that every child develops at their own pace and some may show signs of speech delay that warrant early attention.
Identifying these signs can make a significant difference in your child’s communication and social development.
In this guide, we’ll explore five early warning signs of speech delay in children and what parents should look out for. Don’t procrastinate! Reach out to Deway and Speech Hearcare Services today. Book an appointment with us and have a personalized section with a Speech and Language Therapist whether online or on-site.
1. Delayed Language Milestones: Limited Vocabulary by Age
Children typically begin saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by their first birthday. By age two, they should be saying at least 50 words and beginning to form simple phrases. If your child’s vocabulary is noticeably limited, it may be a sign of delayed speech development.
What to look for:
- No clear words by 15 months
- Fewer than 50 words by age two
- Struggles to learn or recall new words
2. No Babbling or Sound Imitation in Infants
Babbling is a key speech development milestone that usually begins around 6–9 months. It’s the foundation for forming real words and understanding how sounds
work together.
Parent are enjoined to look out for these signs of concern below:
- No babbling sounds (like “ba-ba” or “da-da”) by 9–10 months
- Does not imitate speech sounds or tones
- No interest in mimicking noises or facial expressions
3. Child Does Not Respond to Name or Instructions
Children with speech or language delays may have trouble understanding or responding to basic verbal communication including their name and such might also be found of not responding to instructions. This can sometimes be confused with hearing issues or inattentiveness.
As a parent and/or guardians, kindly watch for these signs:
- Doesn’t respond to their name by 12 months
- Rarely follows simple commands like “come here” or “give me that”
- Doesn’t seem to understand or react to everyday language
4. Lack of Gestures: Not Pointing or Waving
Before children speak, they often use gestures to express their needs and feelings. Pointing, waving, or nodding are all essential pre-verbal communication tools. Some of the early signs of concern to notice in this regards includes:
- Not pointing to objects or people by 12–15 months
- Doesn’t wave hello or goodbye
- Relies mostly on crying or grunting to communicate
Gestures show that a child is learning how to communicate—even without words.
5. Child Cannot Combine Two Words by Age 2
By two years of age, children should begin to form short phrases using two or more words. If a child continues to use only single words with no progression, it may indicate a delay in expressive language development.
Some possible indicators could be when the child.
- Only uses single words after age two
- Doesn’t ask simple questions (e.g., “where mama?”)
- No attempt to form basic phrases like “want toy” or “go outside”
When to Seek Help for Speech Delay in Children
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to speak with your pediatrician. They may refer you to a speech-language pathologist for further assessment. Early diagnosis and intervention lead to better outcomes and can greatly support your child’s language and social development.
Don’t procrastinate! Reach out to Deway and Speech Hearcare Services today. Book an appointment with us and have a personalized section with a Speech and Language Therapist whether online or on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is speech delay the same as language delay?
Not exactly. Speech delay refers to issues with forming sounds and words, while language delay includes both understanding and using language.
Can hearing loss cause speech delays?
Yes. Undiagnosed hearing problems are a common cause of speech delays in young children.
Does being bilingual cause speech delay?
No. Bilingual children may mix languages or take slightly longer to speak, but this is normal and not considered a delay.