When to Worry About Delayed Speech in Children and What to Do

Each child grows at their own speed, but as a caregiver or parent, you can't help but wonder if your child is achieving significant milestones, particularly speech. Some children are talkers from a very young age, whereas others take a bit longer to get a word out. So how do you know if a speech delay is temporary or something to address? Let's simplify and clarify it.

What is Delayed Speech?

Delayed speech refers to a child not learning speech and language skills on time. It may involve not speaking sufficient words, not producing simple sentences, or having difficulties producing sounds clearly. It differs from a language delay, which involves difficulty hearing and speaking words even when the child can sound correctly.

When Should You Start to Worry?

Here is a general timeline of speech development milestones. If your child is significantly behind these, it's a good idea to check in with a professional.

• At 12 months: Your child should be babbling (e.g., "ba-ba" or "da-da"), gesturing (e.g., pointing or waving), and responding to their name.
• At 18 months: Your child should be speaking about 10–20 words and be able to follow simple commands such as "come here" or "give me."
• By 2 years: You should be hearing around 50 or more words, and your child should be beginning to string two words together such as "more juice" or "go car."
• By 3 years: A child should be making short sentences, asking simple questions, and being understood easily most of the time by family members.

If your child is not achieving these stages, then it might be time to investigate support.

Common Causes of Delayed Speech

Speech delays may occur for any number of reasons, such as:

• Hearing issues – Kids who are unable to hear well will also have trouble picking up speech sounds.
• Oral-motor problems – Trouble with the muscles needed for speaking.
• Developmental delays – Some kids have more pervasive developmental issues, such as autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability.
• Environmental influences – Not having much interaction or talking at home can impact language acquisition.

Sometimes, there is no known cause but help is available and effective.

What You Can Do as a Parent

The following are some practical actions you can take:

1. Talk frequently to your child

Tell them what you are doing, label objects, and ask questions, even if your child is not yet responding.

2. Read together every day

Pictures, books and simple stories develop vocabulary and comprehension. Make reading time engaging and enjoyable.

3. Set limits on screen time

Too much passive screen time minimizes opportunities for meaningful talk and interaction.

4. Play with a purpose

Imagination-sparking toys such as dolls, cars, or pretend kitchens allow children to communicate themselves. Practice simple words and phrases during playtime.

5. Listen for hearing problems

If your child does not react to sounds or frequently says "what?", get them checked for hearing.

When to See a Professional

If you’re concerned, trust your instincts. It’s always okay to ask for help. Early intervention can make a big difference. You may want to consult:

• A speech-language pathologist (SLP)
• Your pediatrician
• A developmental specialist
• Getting support early often leads to better outcomes in communication and learning.

We’re Here to Help

If you see signs of speech delay in your child and aren't sure where to begin, Arigato Wellness Center is here to help with sensitivity and understanding. Our skilled professionals provide child-centered testing, speech therapy, and development assistance. Contact us today to discover more or schedule an appointment.