Recognizing the Signs of Speech, Language, and Communication Delays

Each child develops at their own pace, so it can be difficult to recognize a delay in speech, language, or social communication.  Signs may show up in infancy or may not become noticeable until elementary, middle, or high school.  Look for trends in speech, language, behavior, and social communication.  Start a journal or talk with your spouse to help notice trends.  Here's what to look for:

Young Child

-produces speech that is unclear even to familiar people 

-makes only a few sounds or says only a few words

-does not understand what others say or does not follow directions

-does not engage with others or does not smile at others

-repeats first sounds or stretches out sounds in words (stuttering)

Older Child

-has challenges reading, writing, and organizing

-'gives up' when tasks are perceived as challenging

-has difficulty making or maintaining friendships

-has difficulty expressing ideas or emotions

-has difficulty following behavioral expectations

-doesn't ask for help or accept help from others

The most important thing to remember is, trust your intuition.  If you feel that there is a delay in your child's speech, language or social communication skills, have them evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.

1. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, "Early Identification of Speech, Language, Swallowing, and Hearing Disorders ", ASHA.org, https://www.asha.org/public/early-identification-of-speech-language-and-hearing-disorders/ [Accessed May 4, 2024]

2. Garcia Winner, Michelle and Crooke, Pamela, "Teaching an Essential Life Skill: How to Ask for Help", Socialthinking.com, April 3, 2023, https://www.socialthinking.com/Articles?name=teaching-essential-life-skill-how-to-ask-for-help [Accessed May 4, 2024]