Speech Pathology
Ten Signs Your Child Could Benefit From Speech Pathology
Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes delays or differences in speech, language and feeding skills may signal a need for additional support.
Early intervention can make a world of difference, so knowing the signs of potential speech and language challenges is key. The old adage of “wait and see” is not what we want to do; instead, being proactive is much better for you, your child and their long-term outcomes. Here are ten common indicators that your child might benefit from speech pathology.
1. Limited Vocabulary for Their Age
At certain ages, children typically use a set number of words. By 18 months a child should ideally say at least 6–20 single words, and by 2 years old, more than 50 words. If your toddler is using fewer than this, it could signal a delay in language development or other conditions.
2. Difficulty Combining Words
Most children begin combining two words into simple phrases like “want cookie” or “big truck” by the age of 2. If your child struggles to form these combinations, it may indicate a need for evaluation. Limited vocabulary can also impact children combining words.
3. Generally Unclear Speech
While some speech errors are common in early development, your child’s speech should become more intelligible with age. If people outside your immediate family have difficulty understanding your child after age 3, this might be a concern.
4. Lack of Social Interaction
Children use language to interact socially. If your child rarely engages in eye contact, avoids playing with others, or doesn’t respond to their name by 12 months, these could be signs of a communication delay or another disorder.
5. Repetition of Sounds or Words
If your child frequently repeats sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “I-I-I want that”), it could indicate a fluency issue, such as stuttering, which a speech pathologist can address.
6. Difficulty Following Directions
By age 2, children should be able to understand and follow simple two-part instructions like “Pick up the toy and put it in the box.” They should also understand when an object is ‘in’ and ‘on’ something. Struggling with comprehension or difficulties processing directions may point to a receptive (understanding) language issue.
7. Struggles with Pronunciation
Difficulty with correctly pronouncing certain sounds, such as a lisp when trying to make an “s” sound, beyond the age of 3-3.5 years of age, could indicate a speech sound issue requiring intervention.
8. Frustration During Communication
If your child becomes visibly upset or frustrated when trying to express themselves, it could signal a language delay or difficulty with articulation that makes communication challenging.
9. Limited Use of Gestures
Gestures like pointing, waving, or nodding are important precursors to verbal communication. If your child is not using gestures by 12 months or relies solely on gestures to communicate past age 2, it’s worth exploring further.
10. Delayed Milestones in Feeding or Swallowing
Difficulty sucking, chewing, or swallowing, or avoidance of certain textures, could indicate an underlying oral-motor issue that may be related to paediatric feeding disorder, dysphagia (swallowing disorder), or some sensory processing differences. Intervention for feeding and swallowing is essential for quality of life and ensuring your child has adequate nutrition and the necessary skills for managing a variety of textures.
In Conclusion
If you’ve observed one or more of these signs in your child, consider consulting a speech pathologist for a professional evaluation. A speech pathologist can assess your child’s communication skills and feeding skills and develop a personalised treatment plan, if needed.
The earlier that speech, language and feeding challenges are addressed, the better the outcomes. Speech therapy can help your child build the skills they need to communicate effectively and confidently, improving both academic success and social interactions.
Remember, every child’s journey is unique. Seeking support is not about comparing your child to others but about giving them (and you) the tools they need to thrive.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or feeding development, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified speech pathologist. Early help can set your child up for a lifetime of successful communication!