Not sure if your child is on track? Early signs of a speech delay can appear by 6–12 months and become clearer by 18–24 months. Check the milestones below.
Concerned? Give us a call!
Speech Delay Information
Signs by Age
Age 1 (12 Months Old) Age 2–3 (Toddlers) Age 4–5 (Preschoolers)
Baby Speech Delay:
Age 1 (Around 12 Months)
If your child is not yet doing some or all of the following, it may be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist:
Babbling with sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da”
Using gestures like waving or pointing
Responding to their name
Turning toward sounds or voices
Understanding simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
Trying to copy sounds you make
Using their voice to get your attention
Looking back and forth between you and a toy, following your point, or showing you things
Also watch for: losing sounds or skills they used to have. This is worth checking at any age.
Toddler Speech Delay:
Age 2–3 (Toddlers)
If your child is not yet doing some or all of the following, it may be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist:
Using at least 50 words by age 2
Putting two words together, like “more milk,” by 24 months
Being understood by familiar adults most of the time by age 3
Following simple directions, like “Give me the ball”
Also watch for:
Repeating phrases from others, TV, or books (echolalia). This is often an early stage of language, not a problem on its own, but it’s worth an evaluation.
Losing words or skills they used to have
Preschool Speech Delay:
Age 4–5 (Preschoolers)
If your child is not yet doing some or all of the following, it may be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist:
Speaking in sentences of four or more words
Using correct grammar most of the time (not “He go to park”)
Being understood by people outside the family most of the time
Answering simple “why” and “how” questions
Telling a short story or describing their day by age 5
Also watch for:
Frequent frustration when trying to communicate
Losing words or skills they used to have
What is a speech and language assessment?
An assessment is an evaluation with one of our speech-language pathologists. It starts with a conversation with you about your child’s history and what you’ve noticed.
Next, the SLP uses standardized tests chosen for your child’s age. They also spend time playing and talking with your child. This shows how your child understands and uses language, and how their speech sounds.
Afterward, you’ll get a written report that explains:
What we found
Whether therapy is recommended
An individualized treatment plan
Home practice ideas and materials, when appropriate
Within the first few weeks of treatment, you’ll also be offered a goal meeting. We’ll review the results and treatment plan, and answer any questions you have.
When to seek professional help for speech delay
If you see several of these signs, or you’re just not sure, call us. You don’t need a referral to talk with a speech-language pathologist. Some insurance plans do require one from your pediatrician. We can help you find out if yours does.
If your child is under 3: we also recommend contacting Early Intervention (EI). It’s a free, state-funded program for young children. Families can work with EI and with us at the same time. Find your local EI program here.