If you’ve been told that your child is just a ‘late talker,’ it’s natural to want to give it time. But when it comes to speech development, waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities for early support. While some children do catch up on their own, many benefit from targeted help sooner rather than later. We should not wait when child shown signs of speech delays.

Common Sign of Speech Delays

If your child is speaking but seems to be behind in vocabulary or frequency of talking compared to their peers, there are a few signs that might indicate a speech delay:

1. Limited Vocabulary:
   By age 2, most children use about 50 words. By age 3, they should have a broader vocabulary, including the ability to form short phrases and sentences.
   
2. Difficulty Forming Sentences:
   If your child mainly uses single words rather than two- to three-word phrases by age 2 or 3, it may be a sign of delay.
   
3. Trouble Communicating Needs or Wants:
   This can be a sign of speech delays if your child struggles to express basic needs verbally or has difficulty being understood by others.
   
4. Inconsistent or Limited Interaction:
   Children with speech delays may talk less overall or be less likely to engage in conversation, even in familiar settings.
   
5. Challenges with Social Language Skills:
   Children with speech delays might not initiate conversations, respond to questions, or engage in social pretend play as expected for their age.

Act Early When You Have Concerns

If you notice signs of speech delays, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation as soon as possible. Early assessment can help clarify whether your child’s speech is developing typically, and if not, it will guide you toward the right support. Early intervention can be transformative, allowing your child to build essential communication skills during the critical period of language development.

If you need help, contact us. We offer Early Intervention for children with speech delays. If you’re unsure what steps to take, schedule an appointment with us. We can guide you through whether a diagnosis with our clinical psychologist is needed first or if starting the Early Intervention program is the best next step.