Speech & Language Delays

Speech and language delays occur when a child doesn't develop speech and language skills at the expected rate. Speech delays involve difficulty producing sounds correctly, while language delays involve difficulty understanding or using words. These are among the most common developmental concerns in early childhood.

What this means for your family: Your child has the desire to communicate but needs support developing the skills. Speech and language delays are highly treatable, especially with early intervention. Many children who receive therapy make significant progress and catch up to their peers.

Prevalence: Approximately 5-10% of preschool children have speech or language delays (NIDCD).

Key fact: The brain is most receptive to language development in the first 3 years of life — early therapy is critical.

• Not babbling by 12 months
• Not using single words by 16 months
• Not combining two words by age 2
• Difficulty being understood by unfamiliar people by age 3
• Limited vocabulary compared to peers
• Difficulty following simple directions
• Frustration when trying to communicate (may lead to behavioral outbursts)
• Difficulty with social use of language (starting conversations, taking turns)

1. Request a speech-language evaluation — through your pediatrician, Early Intervention (ages 0-3), or school district (ages 3+)
2. Get a hearing test — hearing problems are a common and treatable cause of speech delays
3. Start speech-language therapy as soon as possible — frequency matters (2-3 times per week is ideal for young children)
4. Practice at home — narrate your day, read together, expand on what your child says
5. Explore augmentative communication (AAC) if needed — communication devices don't prevent speech, they support it
6. Connect with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (asha.org) for resources

• Early Intervention (Part C of IDEA): Free speech therapy for children birth to age 3
• IEP (Part B of IDEA): Free speech-language services through the school district for ages 3-21
• Insurance coverage: Most plans cover speech therapy with a physician referral
• Medicaid/CHIP: Covers speech therapy for eligible children