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Speech delay

When a child's talking develops more slowly than most children the same age, in making speech sounds, in using words, or both.

What It Means

A speech delay is when a child's talking comes along more slowly than it does for most children the same age. People often use the phrase for two different things that clinicians keep apart: speech, which is making the sounds of words, and language, which is understanding words and using them to get a message across. Cleveland Clinic describes a delay as typical skills arriving at a slower pace than peers, and a disorder as those skills not developing as expected, so a child may need help to build them.

Try It: Speech or Language? Sort Four Examples

For each example, pick speech (making sounds) or language (understanding and using words). Based on Cleveland Clinic's definitions.

1. A child says "tat" for "cat" and "poon" for "spoon."

2. At 2, a child doesn't point to a body part when asked.

3. At 2, a child isn't putting two words together.

4. A child knows what to say but the sounds come out jumbled.

Correct0
Out of4

Sounds are speech. Understanding and putting words together are language.

How Parents Say It

  • "He's two and only says a handful of words."
  • "Her pediatrician mentioned a speech delay."
  • "We're waiting on the evaluation for his speech."

The Breakdown

Language and communication milestones by age, from CDC's checklists

By this ageMost children (75% or more)
1 yearWave bye-bye; call a parent mama, dada or another special name
18 monthsTry to say three or more words besides mama or dada
2 yearsSay at least two words together, like "More milk"; point to at least two body parts when asked
5 yearsTell a storyUser storyA short description of something a product should do, written from the point of view of the person who needs it, often in the form "As a, I want, so that." See more they heard or made up, with at least two events

CDC places each milestone at the age most children have already reached it, so even one missing is worth raising with the doctor.

Speech or language? Speech is the sounds: a child who says words you can't make out. Language is the words and meaning: a child who uses few words, doesn't combine them, or struggles to follow what you say. A child can have one, the other or both, and a speech-language pathologistSpeech-language pathologistA professional, often called an SLP or speech therapist, who assesses and treats problems with speech, language, social communication and swallowing. See more (SLP) sorts out which.

When to talk to someone. Talk with your child's doctor about any concern, which is CDC's advice. For a child under 3, you can also call your state's early intervention programEarly interventionServices under IDEA Part C for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, and for their families. See more yourself, without a referral. Once your child is 3 or older, call the local public schoolPublic schoolA school run by publicly elected or appointed officials and paid for mainly with public money, including district, charter and magnet schools. See more and ask about an evaluation. ASHA says an SLP will test how your child understands, speaks and uses gestures, and will suggest ways to help at home.

Good to Know

ASHA notes that at first it's hard to tell which late-starting talkers will catch up on their own, and that the difference often shows only in hindsight. CDC says you don't have to wait for a referral or a diagnosis to get a free early intervention evaluation for a child under 3, and children who qualify get services free or at reduced cost.

FAQ

What's the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?

Speech is making the sounds of words; language is understanding words and using them to communicate. Cleveland Clinic keeps the two apart, and a child can be behind in either one or both.

When should I worry about my toddler's speech?

Whenever you have a concern, talk to your child's doctor, which is CDC's advice. CDC lists trying to say three or more words besides mama or dada by 18 months, and putting two words together by 2 years, as things most children do.

Who treats a speech delay?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP). ASHA says the SLP will test how your child understands, talks and uses gestures and give you ideas to help them talk.

Do It in Buhata

Calendar and Reminders

Put the evaluation on the Calendar in Buhata and set a Reminder a few days before to write down the words, sounds and gestures your child uses.

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Related Terms and Categories

  • Language development

    How a child learns to understand and use sounds, gestures and words, from early squeals to first words, two-word phrases and short stories.

  • Expressive language

    The sending side of language: putting wants, thoughts and ideas into words, signs, gestures or writing. Receptive language is the understanding side.

  • Speech therapy

    Treatment from a speech-language pathologist to help a child with speech sounds, understanding and using language, social communication or swallowing.

  • Early intervention

    Services under IDEA Part C for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, and for their families.

Parenting and child development

Sources

Cleveland Clinic, "Language Disorders: Types, Causes & Treatment"; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), "Late Blooming or Language Problem?"; ASHA Practice Portal, "Late Language Emergence"; CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early., "Early Intervention"; CDC, "Concerned About Your Child's Development?"; CDC, "Milestones by 1 Year", "18 Months", "2 Years" and "5 Years"

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