Each child develops at their pace. This means that a little difference exists in the rate at which children of the same age achieve developmental milestones.
Developmental milestones are general guidelines used by child specialists to ensure that your child is progressing as they should. Although, individual differences exist among children, at what stage does delayed speech become a cause for concern?
Let's find out:
First, find out if speech or language is the problem
Speech and language disorders are often mistaken for one another. However, you must observe whether your child has difficulty making sounds and forming words (speech) or receiving and understanding information (language).
A child with a speech delay will form and use words in a way that is difficult to understand. But a child with a language delay will use few words and pronounce them properly.
If they miss these milestones by 12 - 18 months:
By your child's first birthday, their babble begins to change. Rather than just meaningless sounds, they begin to imitate the common sounds and words they hear around them. They start using gestures such as pointing or waving and can understand simple requests.
At this point, they should be saying a few recognizable words such as "mama or dada". Making sentences with these words and copying the flow of normal conversation is also expected. You should also observe inflection in their speech at this point such as when asking for something.
If they miss these milestones by age 2:
At this point, your toddler should produce words spontaneously even without your prompting. They should be able to follow simple directions and can imitate speech as well as actions.
Your toddler should be able to communicate his immediate, basic needs as well as other unimportant information. 50% of your toddler's speech should be easily understood by those closest to them at this point.
If they miss these milestones by age 3:
By age 3, your toddler should be able to use about a thousand words and can say their name as well as the names of others around them. They can ask questions, tell short stories, sing nursery rhymes and simple songs, and create 3-4 word sentences. Three-year olds can identify simple animals, colors, and shapes.
Toddlers at this age can communicate in simple sentences and phrases which may not be grammatically correct but will pass the point across. Examples are: "David hungry", "Want water", "We read book?"
You should be able to understand 75% of what your child says by this point. Strangers should be able to understand at least 50% of what they are saying at this age. If your 3 year old child can understand what you say and communicate non-verbally but can only say few words, they may have a speech delay.
By age 4, your toddler should be on the way to becoming a regular chatterbox.
Conclusion
While these milestones are not set in stone for each child, your child should be able to achieve most of the milestones at this age or a little bit later. If you are worried that your child might be experiencing a speech delay, please see a professional such as a family doctor or pediatrician for proper evaluation.
