What is a speech and language delay?
A speech and language delay is when a child isn’t developing speech and language at an expected rate. It’s a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children.
Symptoms of a speech and language delay
Your child may have a speech delay if they aren’t able to do these things:
- Say simple words (such as “mama” or “dada”) either clearly or unclearly by 12 to 15 months of age
- Understand simple words (such as “no” or “stop”) by 18 months of age
- Talk in short sentences by 3 years of age
- Tell a simple story at 4 to 5 years of age
What causes a speech and language delay?
The most common causes of speech delay include:
- Hearing loss
- Slow development
- Intellectual disability