ASLP MOMMY

Some information about speech and language delay in children

What is a speech and language delay?
A speech and language delay is when a child isn’t developing speech and language at an expected rate. It’s a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children.

Symptoms of a speech and language delay

Your child may have a speech delay if they aren’t able to do these things:

Say simple words (such as “mama” or “dada”) either clearly or unclearly by 12 to 15 months of age
Understand simple words (such as “no” or “stop”) by 18 months of age
Talk in short sentences by 3 years of age
Tell a simple story at 4 to 5 years of age
What causes a speech and language delay?

The most common causes of speech delay include:
Hearing loss
Slow development
Intellectual disability

Other developmental or genetic disorders include:
Psychosocial deprivation (the child doesn’t spend enough time talking with adults)
Autism (a developmental disorder)
Elective mutism (the child just doesn’t want to talk)
Cerebral palsy (a movement disorder caused by brain damage)
Living in a bilingual home also may affect a child’s language and speech. The child’s brain has to work harder to interpret and use 2 languages. So, it may take longer for these children to start using one or both languages they’re learning. It’s not unusual for a bilingual child to use one language for a while.