“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” — Anonymous
About 1 in 10 children face speech delays, making it a common concern among parents. Some kids start talking late, and that’s okay—but sometimes, it’s more than just a slow start.
I’ve seen it in my own family, and I know how confusing and stressful it can feel. Spotting the issue early gives your child the best chance to grow into a confident communicator!
In this guide, I’ll cover the key signs of speech delay, age-based milestones, possible causes, and helpful tips to support your toddler’s speech development from home. Let’s jump in!
What is Speech Delay in Toddlers?
A speech delay occurs when a child isn’t developing speech and language skills at the expected rate. It’s important to distinguish between speech delay and language delay—they’re not the same thing.
- Speech delay: The child struggles to produce words and sounds correctly.
- Language delay: The child has difficulty understanding or using words to communicate.
Many parents assume that boys talk later than girls, but this isn’t always true. While boys may develop speech slightly later, a significant delay isn’t just a “boy thing.”
If your child isn’t speaking much by age two, it’s worth looking into potential causes. Studies show that children exposed to rich verbal interactions from an early age are more likely to develop strong speech skills. Recognizing the signs of speech delay early can help ensure your child gets the right support at the right time.
Another common misconception is that children will simply “catch up.” While some kids do, others need early intervention to develop proper communication skills. The earlier a speech delay is identified, the better the outcomes.
Speech Development Milestones by Age
Tracking speech development milestones is essential to understanding whether a toddler’s communication skills are progressing as expected. At the same time, recognizing the early signs of speech delay can help parents take timely action to support their child’s speech development. Parents can better identify potential concerns while also keeping an eye on expected communication progress.
12-18 Months
At this stage, toddlers should start using simple words and responding to familiar sounds. Uses 3-10 clear words consistently (like “mama” or “bye-bye”).
Follows simple commands (“Give me the ball”). If they don’t respond to instructions or seem confused, it could be a sign of difficulty in language processing.
Points to objects when named (“Where’s the dog?”).
Starts imitating familiar sounds and words. They may also begin pointing to objects and imitating words they hear. If they aren’t doing these things, it could be a sign of speech delay.
18-24 Months
By now, children typically have a growing vocabulary of 20-50 words and can form short two-word phrases like “want cookie.”
They should also follow basic instructions. Engages in pretend play and uses some words to communicate needs. If they aren’t combining words or seem to struggle with understanding, it’s a good idea to seek guidance.
2-3 Years
Toddlers at this age should be using 200+ words, forming short sentences, and being more easily understood by those around them.
Starts asking simple questions like “What’s that?” Speech becomes more understandable to others.
If their speech remains unclear or they seem frustrated when trying to communicate, these could be signs of speech delay.
If your child isn’t meeting these benchmarks, don’t just wait and see—early intervention is the best step forward. The sooner you act, the better the chances of helping your toddler develop strong communication skills!
Common Causes of Speech Delay
Speech delays can happen for several reasons, and understanding them can help parents find the right support for their child. Some delays are temporary, while others require professional intervention.
Here are the most common reasons a child may experience a delay in speech development.
Hearing Problems
Hearing is essential for learning speech. If a child has frequent ear infections or undiagnosed hearing loss, they may struggle to pick up and repeat sounds correctly. Many toddlers with hearing difficulties appear to be ignoring their parents when, in reality, they simply cannot hear words clearly.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Children with autism spectrum disorder often experience delays in speech alongside difficulties in social interaction and communication. They may struggle with eye contact, gestures, or using language for conversation. Some autistic children may develop speech later than their peers, while others may have limited verbal skills.
Oral Motor Issues
Some children have weak mouth, tongue, or jaw muscles, which can make speaking difficult. This is known as oral motor dysfunction. Kids with this condition may have trouble forming words correctly or may appear to mumble frequently. A speech therapist can help strengthen these muscles through specific exercises.
Lack of Interaction or Stimulation
Children learn language by hearing and engaging in conversations. If a child is exposed to limited verbal interaction—such as in homes where there’s minimal talking or reading—they might develop speech at a slower pace. Talking to your child regularly and engaging in back-and-forth interactions can help bridge the gap.
Premature Birth
Babies born before 37 weeks sometimes take longer to reach developmental milestones, including speech. Their brains and muscles may need extra time to mature, and they might benefit from early intervention programs to support their progress.
Neurological Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, or brain injuries, can impact speech development. These children may require speech therapy and specialized interventions to support their communication skills.
Understanding these causes is the first step in helping a child with speech delay get the right support and treatment. If you suspect your child has a delay, consult a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist as early as possible.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child shows the signs of speech delay, you might wonder when it’s time to seek help. Experts recommend paying close attention if your toddler isn’t babbling by 12 months, hasn’t said their first words by 16 months, or struggles to form two-word phrases by 24 months. Another concern is losing speech skills they once had or showing difficulty with eye contact and social interactions.
As Dr. James MacDonald, a speech-language expert, once said, “The best way to help a child talk is to talk to them.”
Early intervention is key to overcoming speech delays. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess your child’s communication skills and recommend therapy if needed. The sooner speech therapy begins, the greater the chance of improvement, making it easier for your child to develop clear and confident communication.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs professional support, trust your instincts. Many parents feel uncertain at first, but it’s always better to seek guidance early rather than waiting and hoping they’ll catch up on their own.
How to Encourage Speech Development at Home
Encouraging speech development at home starts with patience and consistency. Talking to your toddler regularly, reading together, and engaging in interactive play can significantly improve their communication skills. However, it can also be frustrating when progress is slow, and patience is key.
If your child has a speech delay, don’t stress—there are many ways to support their language development at home!
Engaging in everyday conversations, no matter how small, builds communication skills over time.
Read books together, sing songs, and give them choices instead of yes/no questions.
Encourage social interactions through playdates or daycare, and even try basic sign language to support communication.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, check out this helpful guide on How to Have Patience with a Toddler. It provides practical strategies to stay calm and supportive while helping your child develop their speech skills.
Remember, positive reinforcement and a stress-free environment are crucial for your child’s language growth!
Conclusion
Identifying the signs of speech delay early is crucial. Every child learns at their own pace, but if your toddler is struggling to communicate, don’t wait—seek guidance. Speech therapy and early intervention can make a world of difference.
If you’re unsure whether your toddler’s speech is on track, trust your gut and consult a professional. Early help leads to better outcomes!
If you’ve dealt with speech delays in your child, share your experience in the comments! Your story might help another parent going through the same journey.
