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If you’re a parent of a child with a speech disorder or delay or are worried about the possibility, you’re not alone on either count. 7.7 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 have had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past 12 months.
Help your child navigate their speech and language issues:
Navigating through the intricacies of speech disorders and delays in children can be a journey that’s both enlightening and challenging for parents. As pillars of support and the primary advocates for their children, parents play a vital role in identifying, understanding, and seeking appropriate interventions for speech and language issues. Speech and language are crucial tools that facilitate not only communication but also socialization, learning, and overall interaction with the world. When a child experiences delays or disorders in these areas, it can impact various aspects of their development and daily life. Just as there exists a plethora of words and languages, there is also a wide array of speech disorders, each with its own characteristics and pathways for intervention.
Embarking upon a journey to understand and manage speech disorders involves becoming acquainted with specialists, engaging in targeted therapies, and potentially, navigating educational and healthcare systems. The key is to approach this journey with an arsenal of knowledge, support, and a well-curated action plan. This guide aims to illuminate the path for parents managing speech disorders and delays in their children by providing insights, strategies, and resources to navigate through evaluations, interventions, and ongoing support mechanisms.
Statistics for Speech and Language Disorder or Delays in the US
Speech disorder and delay statistics in children (source: National Institute of Health):
- 7.7 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 have had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past 12 months.
- Among children aged 3 to 10 who experience voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders, 34 percent exhibit multiple communication or swallowing issues, while for those aged 11 to 17, the prevalence stands at 25.4 percent.
- Boys between the ages of 3 and 17 are more susceptible to voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders than girls, with a prevalence of 9.6 percent compared to 5.7 percent.
- The highest prevalence of these disorders is found in children aged 3 to 6, at 11.0 percent, as opposed to 9.3 percent in those aged 7 to 10, and 4.9 percent in those aged 11 to 17.
- When examining racial demographics, approximately 9.6 percent of black children (ages 3-17) are affected by voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders, in contrast to 7.8 percent of white children and 6.9 percent of Hispanic children.
- Of the U.S. children aged 3-17 with these disorders, more than half (55.2 percent) received intervention services within the past year. White children (ages 3-17) diagnosed with these disorders are more likely to have received intervention services, with rates at 60.1 percent, compared to Hispanic and black children, with rates of 47.3 percent and 45.8 percent, respectively.
- Additionally, boys (ages 3-17) facing voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders exhibit a higher likelihood of receiving intervention services at 59.4 percent, compared to girls at 47.8 percent.
- Among children aged 3-17 with voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders, those with speech or language difficulties, 67.6 percent and 66.8 percent, respectively, are more inclined to receive intervention services, as opposed to those with voice disorders (22.8 percent) or swallowing problems (12.7 percent).
As a parent, what are you supposed to do with this information? There are a couple things to know: speech disorders and delays are not uncommon, and interventions are available and important to pursue for your child. Understanding risk factors can be a great starting place to get a better idea of whether you should be taking your child to a doctor or if an evaluation by a speech therapist should be higher on your to-do list.
What are the Risk Factors associated with speech disorders and delays?
A 2022 study published on the NIH National Library of Medicine website from the Cureus publishing network assessed some common risk factors of children with speech disorders and delays (An Assessment of Risk Factors of Delayed Speech and Language in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study).
The study revealed that various factors were associated with speech and language delay in children, with certain factors carrying more significance. These influential factors included being male, prolonged sucking habits, the mother’s lack of literacy, preterm birth, low birth weight, oropharyngeal deformities, hearing impairments, complications during childbirth, and a family history of speech and language delay. Conversely, factors such as low socioeconomic status, birth order, parental occupations, and the absence of immediate family members were found to have less impact.
To promote awareness and mitigate risks, it is crucial for parents to receive education about the potential consequences of speech and language delay in their children, as well as strategies to prevent avoidable risk factors. Particular attention should be given to maternal well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Additionally, vigilant monitoring of children’s developmental milestones, especially related to speech, is recommended, and if any delay is observed, seeking appropriate care and evaluation, including speech therapy, is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Milestones to Keep an Eye On
Speech-Language Development Milestones
Before contacting a professional for help, it is important to understand some of the common developmental milestones for speech and language. These milestones are averages and children can be within the bounds of normal and not fit within these specific milestones.
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Birth to 3 months
- Coos, babbles, and makes sounds like oooh, ahhh, and mmm
- Makes eye contact and smiles
- Turns towards sounds
- Recognizes familiar voices
- Responds to emotions in others
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Toddler 3 to 6 months
- Looks at toys that make sounds
- Giggles and laughs
- Follows objects of interest with their eyes
- Responds to facial expressions and changes in your tone of voice
- Coos and babbles during play
- Vocalizes different vowel-consonant sounds, such as “ummm”, “pa”, “ba”, “mi”, “daaa”
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Toddler 6 to 12 months
- Babbles with different intonations
- Understands simple words, such as “no” and “bye-bye”
- Responds to simple requests, such as “give me” and “pat the ball”
- Makes gestures, such as pointing and waving
- Looks towards you when you call their name
- Understands words for common items and people (ball, mommy, car, milk etc.)
- Plays games like peek-a-boo
- Listens to stories and songs for a short amount of time
- Babbles strings of sounds like “mamamama”, “mimimimi”, or “babababa”
- Says 1 or 2 words, such as “hi”, “bye”,”mama”, or “dada”. This usually happens at 10-12 months and sounds may not be clear.
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12 to 17 months
- Says single words, such as “mama” and “dada”
- Understands simple commands, such as “come here” and “sit down”
- Uses gestures and words to communicate
- Imitates speech sounds
- Points to one or more body parts
- Responds to simple questions, such as “Who’s that?” or “Where’s your blanket?”
- Listens to songs and simple stories
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18 to 23 months
- Uses two-word phrases, such as “go bye-bye” and “want cookie”
- Understands and follows two-step directions, such as “get the ball, and put it on the chair.”
- Has a vocabulary of 50 words or more
- Starts to use pronouns, such as “I” and “you”
- Names pictures in books
- Asks for help using words
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2 to 3 years
- Uses three-word phrases, such as “I want milk” and “play with ball”
- Understands simple questions, such as “What is that?” and “Where is daddy?”
- Has a vocabulary of 200 words or more
- Starts to use plurals and past tense verbs
- Asks why and how questions
- Understands opposites, such as “stop/go” and “big/little”
- Says their name when someone asks
- Produces the following speech sounds correctly in words: p, b, h, n, d, w, and m
- Speech is more clear but may not be understandable to unfamiliar listeners
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3 to 4 years
- Uses four-word phrases and short sentences
- Understands complex questions, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “What did you do at school today?”
- Has a vocabulary of 500 words or more
- Uses language to describe objects, events, and feelings
- Says all the syllables in words
- Most people understand what your child is saying
- Produces the following speech sounds correctly in words: t, f, y, k, g, and -ing
- Understands and uses prepositions such “under”, “inside” and “on” cd
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4 to 5 years
- Uses complete sentences
- Tells stories and jokes
- Understands concepts such as time, space, and quantity
- Has a vocabulary of 1,000 words or more
- Engages in conversation
- Follows longer directions, such as “put your shoes on, close the door, and get in the car.”
- Identifies the title of the book and the front cover
- Identifies some rhyming words, such as “cat/hat”
- Talks without repeating words or sounds most of the time
- Names numbers and letters
- Produces most speech sounds correctly in words, including l, ch, s, v, z, sh, and th
Again, please note that these are just general guidelines. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language development, talk to their doctor or a speech-language pathologist.
What are some early signs of speech and language issues?
The following are some signs that you should consider when contacting a specialist to begin an evaluation. This is not an exhaustive list of signs, nor are these signs indicative of certain problems. They are simply indicators that may help you, as a parent, be more confident in taking some steps to learn if there is in fact a problem.
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0-3 months
- Does not make eye contact or smile
- Does not respond to sounds or voices
- Does not babble or coo
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3-6 months
- Does not babble with different intonations
- Does not look at toys that make sounds
- Does not follow objects of interest with their eyes
- Does not respond to facial expressions and changes in your tone of voice
-
6-12 months
- Does not say 1 or 2 words
- Does not understand simple commands, such as “come here” and “sit down”
- Does not understand simple words, such as “no” and “bye-bye”
- Does not make gestures, such as pointing and waving
- Does not imitate speech sounds
- Does not look towards you when you call their name
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12-18 months
- Does not say single words, such as “mama” and “dada”
- Does not understand simple commands, such as “come here” and “sit down”
- Does not use gestures and words to communicate
- Does not imitate speech sounds
- Does not point to one or more body parts
- Does not respond to simple questions, such as “Who’s that?” or “Where’s your blanket?”
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18-24 months
- Does not use two-word phrases, such as “go bye-bye” and “want cookie”
- Does not understand and follows two-step directions
- Does not have a vocabulary of 50 words or more
- Does not start to use pronouns, such as “I” and “you”
- Does not name pictures in books
- Does not ask for help
-
2-3 years
- Does not use three-word phrases, such as “I want milk” and “play with ball”
- Does not understand simple questions, such as “What is that?” and “Where is daddy?”
- Does not have a vocabulary of 200 words or more
- Does not start to use plurals and past tense verbs
- Does not ask why and how questions
- Does not say their name when someone asks
- Does not produce the following speech sounds correctly in words: p, b, h, n, d, w, and m
-
3-4 years
- Does not use four-word phrases and short sentences
- Does not understand complex questions, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “What did you do at school today?”
- Does not have a vocabulary of 500 words or more
- Does not use language to describe objects, events, and feelings
- Does not say all the syllables in words
- Most people do not understand what your child is saying
- Does not produce the following speech sounds correctly in words: t, f, y, k, g, and -ing
- Does not understand and use prepositions such “under”, “inside” and “on”
-
4-5 years
- Does not use complete sentences
- Does not tell stories and jokes
- Does not understand concepts such as time, space, and quantity
- Does not have a vocabulary of 1,000 words or more
- Does not engage in conversation
- Does not follow longer directions
- Does not talk without repeating words or sounds most of the time
- Does not name numbers and letters
- Does not produce most speech sounds correctly in words, including l, ch, s, v, z, sh, and th
What should I do when my child has a speech disorder or delay?
Additional Informational Resources
Early intervention services can help children (0-3 years old) that have developmental disabilities or delays. These services may include speech and language therapy which a licensed speech-language pathologist provides. Parents who have children with developmental disabilities or delays, including any speech and language disorders, are eligible for services and necessary accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504, anti-discrimination legislation.
Finding early intervention speech therapy for a child involves several key steps. Remember that early intervention is crucial, as it can significantly impact a child’s speech and language development. Here’s a general guide, though specifics can vary by location.
Observing and Identifying Needs
- Observation: Notice any delays or irregularities in your child’s speech and language development. This may include not meeting developmental milestones, difficulty making certain sounds, or trouble understanding and using language.
- Consultation: Share your concerns with healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, who can guide you on the appropriate developmental milestones and next steps.
Professional Evaluation
- Referral: Obtain a referral for a speech and language evaluation from your healthcare provider if they share your concerns.
- Assessment: Engage a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s speech and language abilities. The evaluation may assess expressive and receptive language skills, articulation, fluency, voice, and more.
Developing an Intervention Plan
- Results Discussion: Discuss the results of the evaluation with the SLP to understand your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Plan Creation: Work with the SLP to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), depending on your child’s age and local laws.
- Goals Setting: Identify short-term and long-term goals that cater to your child’s specific needs.
Implementing Therapy
- Therapy Sessions: Begin regular therapy sessions, which might be individual or group, in-person or virtual, depending on what’s suitable for your child.
- Parental Involvement: Engage in sessions whenever possible and apply strategies suggested by the SLP at home to reinforce learning.
- Consistency: Ensure consistent attendance to maximize the benefits of the therapy.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review your child’s progress with the SLP.
- Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments to therapy goals and approaches based on progress and any emerging needs.
- Continuous Assessment: Your child should undergo reassessment at prescribed intervals to objectively measure progress and update the therapy plan accordingly.
Transition Planning
- School Transition: If applicable, plan and coordinate with the school to ensure that necessary support is available as your child transitions into a school setting.
- Long-term Strategies: Identify and implement strategies that will support your child’s communication needs in the long term.
Seeking Additional Resources
- Support Groups: Consider joining support groups for parents or caregivers of children with speech and language difficulties.
- Extra-Curricular Activities: Explore activities that can enhance your child’s language development, such as playgroups, reading programs, etc.
- Additional Therapies: Depending on your child’s needs, consider complementary therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or special education services.
Legal and Advocacy Considerations
- Legal Rights: Understand your child’s rights in receiving educational and therapeutic services under the law.
- Advocacy: Advocate for your child’s needs in various settings, including schools and social environments, to ensure they get the necessary support.
Ongoing Support and Development
- Maintenance: Continue to provide a supportive environment that encourages speech and language development at home.
- Lifelong Learning: Keep abreast of new therapies, technologies, and strategies that might benefit your child throughout their development.
Celebration and Acknowledgment
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate every small and big milestone in your child’s speech and language journey.
- Encourage Continuity: Positive reinforcement will boost your child’s confidence and motivation to engage in therapy consistently.
Speech and Sound Disorder Resources for Parents
Speech sound disorders involve difficulty producing sounds correctly or consistently, making it challenging for listeners to understand what’s being said. Here are several online resources with descriptions that can assist parents navigating speech sound disorders in their children:
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the professional association for speech-language pathologists. Their website provides a wealth of information on various speech and language disorders, including speech sound disorders. They offer resources, treatment information, and ways to find certified professionals.
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The Stuttering Foundation
While this foundation focuses on stuttering, which is a type of fluency disorder, they offer a range of resources that can be helpful for understanding and navigating various speech challenges.
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Mommy Speech Therapy
This is a blog run by a speech-language pathologist. It contains many resources, worksheets, and tips for parents dealing with various speech and language issues, including speech sound disorders. Check out the speech development chart for more information about the developmental norms for speech sounds by age.
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Speech Buddies
They offer tools and advice on addressing speech sound disorders. There’s a blog with practical advice and a tool shop for speech therapy tools.
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Apraxia Kids
This organization focuses on childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a speech sound disorder where children have difficulty planning and producing the complex sequenced movements necessary for speech. They offer extensive resources, webinars, and support for families dealing with CAS.
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Teach Me To Talk
Created by Laura Mize, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, the site offers books, DVDs, and therapy materials for parents and professionals, helping them teach children to understand and use language.
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Home Speech Home
This site offers various tools, activities, and resources for speech therapists and parents to help children improve their communication skills.
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Speech And Language Kids
Run by a certified speech-language pathologist, this site offers a wealth of resources, videos, and strategies for both parents and professionals on a variety of speech and language topics.
- Speech And Language Songs
Run by a certified speech language pathologist, this channel includes a variety of speech and language songs targeting phonics, speech sounds and much more.
Language Disorder Resources for Parents
Language disorders in children can manifest as difficulty comprehending, processing, or expressing ideas and information. These resources can be a starting point for parents seeking guidance and support:
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Understood
This platform focuses on children with learning and thinking differences, including language disorders. They provide articles, webinars, and expert advice for parents.
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Child Mind Institute
An organization that offers guidance on various childhood disorders, including language disorders. Their website contains articles, symptom checklists, and advice for parents.
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LD Online
This is a leading website on learning disabilities, including language disorders. It offers articles, multimedia, and interactive guides.
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Apraxia Kids
While its main focus is on childhood apraxia of speech, they also provide resources for broader language disorders, given the overlap in many children with CAS.
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Teach Me To Talk
This site, developed by a speech-language pathologist, offers practical techniques and strategies to parents and professionals to foster language development in children.
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The Hanen Centre
An organization recognized worldwide for its innovative programs in parent-implemented early language intervention. They provide resources, books, and training to parents, caregivers, and professionals.
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Aphasia.org
While primarily focused on aphasia (a language disorder that results from brain damage), the National Aphasia Association’s website provides resources and information that might be relevant to parents dealing with other types of language disorders.
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Speech And Language Kids
Offers a variety of resources, videos, and strategies for parents and professionals related to various speech and language disorders.
- Speech And Language Songs
Run by a certified speech language pathologist, this channel includes a variety of speech and language songs targeting basic concepts, core vocabulary, sequencing, rhymes and much more.
References:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2023). Developmental milestones. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2022). How do speech and language develop? Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
Kumar A, Zubair M, Gulraiz A, Kalla S, Khan S, Patel S, Fleming MF, Oghomitse-Omene PT, Patel P, Qavi MSS. An Assessment of Risk Factors of Delayed Speech and Language in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2022 Sep 26;14(9):e29623. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29623. PMID: 36320964; PMCID: PMC9608900.