Speech Delays in Children: When to Worry and How to Help
Every child learns to talk at their own pace. Some say their first words early, while others take more time. But when speech seems delayed, many parents wonder: Is this normal? Should I be concerned?
Let’s explore what speech delays are, when to seek help, and how speech therapy can make a difference.
What Is a Speech Delay?
A speech delay means a child isn’t talking as much or as clearly as expected for their age. It may affect how they make sounds, say words, or form sentences.
Some children may:
- Say very few words by age 2
- Have trouble putting words together
- Be hard to understand, even by family
- Get frustrated when trying to speak
Speech delays can happen on their own or with other developmental differences, like autism, ADHD, or hearing issues.
Signs Your Child May Have a Speech Delay
Every child is unique, but here are some general signs to watch for:
- By 12 months: Not using simple sounds like “mama” or “dada”
- By 18 months: Not saying at least 10 words
- By 2 years: Not combining two words, like “more juice”
- By 3 years: Hard to understand by people outside the family
- Gets upset when they can’t express themselves
If your child shows some of these signs, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech-language pathologist.
What Causes Speech Delays?
Speech delays can have many causes, such as:
- Hearing problems
- Oral-motor issues (how the mouth and tongue move)
- Developmental conditions like autism
- Family history of speech or language delays
- Environment (less exposure to spoken language)
In many cases, the exact cause isn’t clear—but early help still works.
How Speech Therapy Helps
Speech therapy is a fun, engaging way to help kids learn to talk and express themselves. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with your child to:
- Improve speech sounds
- Build vocabulary and sentence skills
- Learn to ask questions and share ideas
- Reduce frustration with communication
Therapy may look like play—but every activity is chosen to build important skills.
When to Get an Evaluation
Trust your instincts. If you feel your child is behind in speech, you don’t have to wait. Early evaluations can give you answers and peace of mind.
At our Florida clinic, we offer gentle, expert evaluations and personalized therapy plans. We work closely with parents to support your child’s growth, every step of the way.
You’re Not Alone
Speech delays are common—and help is available. The sooner a child gets support, the better their chances of catching up and building strong language skills.
Looking for speech therapy in Florida?
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can help your child thrive. Click Here
We Also Offer:
- Autism Evaluations in Florida
- ADHD Evaluations in Florida
- Feeding Therapy for Children