By Rebeca Schvartzman, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Reg. CASLPO | Talk & Bloom®

Whether you’re concerned about a speech delay, a language delay, or simply wondering if your child is meeting their communication milestones, knowing what signs to look for can help you make informed decisions about their development.

As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to communicate, connect, and succeed. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my child talking enough?” or “Should I be concerned about the way my child speaks?” you are not alone. These are some of the most common questions parents ask Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs).
Whether you are concerned about a speech delay, a language delay, or simply want reassurance that your child is reaching their communication milestones, knowing what signs to look for can help you decide when it may be time to seek support. The good news is that many speech and language difficulties improve significantly when they are identified and addressed early.

In This Article, you’ll learn:

– The difference between speech and language
– The 10 most common warning signs
– When to seek a professional evaluation
– Why early intervention makes such a difference

What is the Difference Between Speech and Language?

Speech refers to the ability to produce sounds and words correctly and clearly (articulation) so others can understand what we say. Language refers to the ability to understand what others communicate (receptive language) and how we use gestures, words, and sentences to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas (expressive language).

A child may have difficulty with speech, language, or both. For example, a child may know exactly what they want to say but have difficulty pronouncing the words clearly. Another child may speak clearly but have trouble understanding directions or putting words together into sentences.
Not sure whether your child is a late talker or has a speech or a language delay? Read our blog, Late Talker vs. Speech Delay vs. Language Delay: What’s the Difference?, to learn the differences and understand when it may be appropriate to seek an evaluation.

Every Child Develops at Their Own Pace… But Milestones Matter

It’s true that every child develops at their own pace, but speech and language milestones are still important. Think of developmental milestones as a growth chart. Just as children vary in height and weight, they also vary in when they develop communication skills. While the exact timing differs from one child to another, communication skills generally follow a predictable developmental sequence. Developmental milestones are based on decades of research and represent the age ranges during which most children acquire specific communication skills. They help us recognize when communication skills are developing as expected and when a child may benefit from a more comprehensive evaluation. So, how can you tell whether your child is simply developing at their own pace or might benefit from a speech and language evaluation?

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Speech and Language Therapy

If you notice one or more of these signs consistently, it is recommended that you consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

1. Your child isn’t meeting language milestones.
Common indicators include:

– Delayed first words (after approximately 15–18 months)
– Using fewer words than expected for their age
– Not combining two words by age 2
– Slow vocabulary growth
– Difficulty understanding what others say
– Difficulty expressing thoughts, wants or needs
– Challenges with grammar, vocabulary, or social communication

Wondering how many words your child should know? Read our blog, How Many Words Should My Child Know? Vocabulary Milestones Ages 1–5, for an age-by-age guide.

2. Your child isn’t meeting speech milestones.
Common indicators include:

– Limited or no babbling by 9-12 months
– Not using words by 15-16 months
– Delayed development of speech sounds
– Limited variety of speech sounds (vowels and consonants)
– Difficulty producing age-appropriate speech sounds
– Speech that is difficult for unfamiliar people to understand
– Difficulty imitating sounds or words

3. Your child produces speech sounds that are not clear or age-appropriate.
Common indicators include:

– Speech sound errors that persist beyond the expected age
– Speech that is difficult for both familiar or unfamiliar listeners to understand
– Omitting, substituting, or distorting sounds
– Inconsistent word productions (the same word is pronounced differently each time)

4. Others have difficulty understanding your child.
By preschool age (around 4 years old), unfamiliar listeners should be able to understand most (about 90%) of what your child says. If family members, educators, or other children frequently ask your child to repeat themselves, a speech evaluation is recommended.

5. Your child understands more than what they can say.
It is common during early language development for children to understand much more than they are able to express. A child may recognize many words before using them spontaneously. By around 5 years of age, there should no longer be a significant gap between what they understand and what they can express verbally.

Common indicators include:

– Understands stories and follows two-to-three-step directions
– Uses fewer words than expected for their age (e.g., fewer than 40 words between 21 and 24 months)
– Relies more on gestures or sounds than words
– Slow vocabulary growth
– Difficulty remembering or retrieving words (e.g., saying “the thing you sit on” instead of “chair,” or saying “table” instead of “chair”)
– Frequent use of filler or nonspecific words such as “thing,” “this,” or “that”

6. Your child has difficulty understanding language.
Common indicators include:

– Has trouble following directions
– Needs instructions repeated often
– Needs visual cues or gestures to better understand
– Has difficulty answering questions
– Has difficulty learning and remembering new words

7. Your child becomes frustrated when communicating.
Communication difficulties can affect behavior because children are trying to express needs, thoughts, and feelings that they do not yet have the words to communicate.

Common indicators include:

– Frequent crying or tantrums related to communication difficulties
– Giving up when trying to communicate
– Avoiding talking or participating in conversations
– Becoming upset when others do not understand them

8. Your child stutters.
Between the ages of 2 and 5, it is common for children to go through periods of stuttering as their vocabulary expands and more complex language skills develop. This is known as developmental stuttering, and most children outgrow it naturally.
Some children continue to stutter and may benefit from speech therapy. This is known as persistent stuttering, a disruption in the natural flow and rhythm of speech.

Common indicators include:

– Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “b-b-ball,” “ho-ho-house,” or “I-I”)
– Prolongation of sounds (e.g., “sssssnake”)
– Blocks or brief pauses before saying certain sounds or words
– Visible tension in the face or upper body while speaking
– Physical signs of effort such as rapid blinking, head movements, facial movements, or clenching a fist while trying to say a word

9. Your child has feeding difficulties.
Eating and drinking require coordinated movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks—the same muscles used to produce speech sounds. Although feeding difficulties do not always cause speech difficulties, the two can occur together and may warrant a comprehensive evaluation.

Common indicators include:

– Difficulty biting or chewing food
– Difficulty managing different food textures
– A very limited range of accepted foods
– Difficulty drinking from an open cup or through a straw
– Difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for swallowing
– Choking, vomiting, or gagging while eating
– Excessive drooling after 15 months of age
– Continued drooling after age 2 (when it is not related to teething or a medical condition)

10. Your child has difficulty playing or interacting with others.
Play and social interaction are essential parts of communication development. Through play, children learn to communicate, share ideas, solve problems, take turns, understand other people’s perspectives, and build friendships. Play also supports language development, social communication, and self-regulation skills.

Social communication difficulties can occur even when a child has many words and speaks clearly. Communication is not only about talking—it also includes understanding others, sharing ideas, and connecting socially.

Common indicators include:

– Not responding consistently to their name
– Difficulty using facial expressions, gestures, sounds, and words to communicate
– Limited interest in interacting or playing with other children
– Difficulty engaging in pretend or imaginative play
– Difficulty taking turns or waiting during play and conversations
– Difficulty making friends and participating in group or team activities

Why Is Early Intervention So Important?

The first five years of life are a critical period in a child’s development. During this time, the brain is especially ready to learn new skills and build the foundation for healthy overall development. If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language, communication, feeding, play, or social interaction, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. Research consistently shows that early identification and intervention have a significant impact on a child’s developmental trajectory. Acting early helps children develop communication skills more efficiently, supports learning and social development, and may prevent more significant challenges later on.

Want to learn why acting early can make such a difference? Read our blog, Early Intervention or “Wait and See”: Why Acting Early Matters, to discover how early support can positively impact your child’s communication, learning, and overall development.

Still wondering whether your child would benefit from an assessment?

Requesting an evaluation does not necessarily mean your child will need therapy. In many cases, it provides reassurance, guidance, and practical strategies to support your child’s development. However, when a delay is present, identifying it early can make a meaningful difference.

Contact Talk & Bloom® today to schedule a free consultation. We will discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine whether an assessment or other next step would be appropriate for your child.