How do I know if my child has speech or language difficulties
These behaviors indicate that a child may not be developing communication skills in a typical manner. If you have questions or concerns about a child's development, we recommend that you consult with your pediatrican and/or schedule a speech-language evaluation.
At 18 months he or she....
- Has a lack of communication gestures
- Does not attempt to imitate or produce single words
- Does not persist when a person does not respond
- Understands fewer than 50 words
- Has a lack of vocabulary growth over a 6 month period from 12-18 months of age
- Continues to use baby bottle and/or has difficulty transitioning from baby food.
At 24 months he or she....
- Relies on gestures without speech
- Has a limited vocabulary (less than 100 spoken words)
- Does not use any two-word combinations
- Uses speech that is less than 50% understandable
- Persistently labels objects instead of requesting or commenting
- Tends to label objects instead of requesting or commenting
- Regressed in language development; stopped talking or echoes phrases, often inappropriately; doesn't wave or point
- Continues to use baby bottle and/or has difficulty transitioning from baby food.
At 3 years he or she....
- Only produces single syllable words with no sound at the end of the word
- Produces few multi-word combinations
- Does not demand a response for listeners
- Does not ask questions
- Produces speech that is difficult to understand. 75% is not clear to people unfamiliar with your child
- Frequently tantrums when not understood
- Echoes or "parrots" speech
- Is unable to understand information unless spoken slowly and includes gestures
At 4 years he or she....
- Frequently says "huh?" or needs directions repeated
- Speaks in "telegraphic" style using immaature grammar ("Mommy, doggie run")
- Has a limited vocabulary
- Is frequently frustrated or excessively shy in communicative situations
- Substitutes me/I, him/he, her/she
- Uses little language during pretend play
At 5 years he or she....
- Has difficulty with word finding when asked to explain how an item is used
- Is unable to retell stories or relate recent events clearly
- Produces sentences that seem disorganized, with difficulty getting to the point
- Is understood only by family members
By 6 years and older he or she....
- Produces speech that is no 100% understandable or makes speech sound errors
- Produces sentences that are not grammatically correct or complex
- Has difficulty explaining a sequence of events
- Has limited conversational skills
- Has difficulty with reading and/or writing
At any age he or she....
- Does not respond to words or gestures i.e., ignores hand motion to "come here"
- Does not look back and forth between an adult and item he or she desires
- Has more than 10 disfluencies or "stutters" per 100 words or has signs of physical tension when speaking
- Has a voice quality that draws attention to itself (hoarseness, loss of voice, nasal, breathiness or "stuffy")
- Finds speech easy one day and hard the next
- Correctly says a word but is unable to repeat it
- Exhibits "Groping"behaviors by searching to find the proper mouth position or silent posturing
- Reverses sounds/syllables such as "shif" for "fish" or "miskate" for "mistake"
- Breathes with their mouth open. You can see their tongue when they swallow or the tongue is creating open spaces in their teeth
- Has difficulty chewing and swallowing food. Frequently coughs or chokes when eating or drinking
If a child's behaviors match those listed above, a speech-language evaluation will determine if there is a problem. Remember that the earlier communication difficulties are identified and treated, the better progress a child can make. For questions or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation or therapy, call to talk to one of our clinicians at 503-228-6479.
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