Although children develop at different rates, most follow a general guideline of
developmental norms. These guidelines are very general, and as a parent you know your
child best. However, if you sense that there is a problem with your child’s speech and/or
language skills it is always wise to seek a professional opinion. Unfortunately, there is no
universal age at which parents should seek professional advice for speech or language
problem because every child is so unique (Hamaguchi, 2001). With the presence of a
speech and/or language difficulty, parents may see a change in their child’s behavior. If the
child is unable to communicate his/her wants and needs, the child can get frustrated and
may begin to act out. The following is a list of some warning signs of a possible speech or
language problem as listed in Childhood Speech, Language, and Listening Problems by
Patricia McAleer Hamaguchi:
BIRTH TO 12 MONTHS
• Avoids eye contact
• Limited babbling
• Shows little emotion
• Does not turn head or react to sounds
• Limited or no imitation of sounds
• No evidence of first true word(s)
• Does not try to communicate using gestures or actions
12 TO 18 MONTHS
• Avoids eye contact
• Unable to follow one-step directions
• Unable to point to body parts when asked
• Does not say “Mama” or “Dada”
18-24 MONTHS
• Avoids eye contact
• Difficulty pointing to objects/pictures
• Mostly quiet, minimal initiation of producing words
• Does not use words to communicate
24-36 MONTHS
• Avoids eye contact
• Difficulty imitating nursery rhymes
• Does not put two- or three-word phrases together
• Difficult to understand when talking
• Does not ask or answer simple questions
• Plays alone; does not engage in pretend play
PRESCHOOL AGE (3 TO 5 YEARS OLD)
• Difficulty comprehending directions
• Difficult to understand when communicating
• Speaks in short phrases instead of complete sentences
• Leaves off endings of words
• Leaves out words such as “is” and “the”
• Does not use words to communicate; instead uses gestures or noises
SCHOOL AGE (5 TO 12 YEARS OLD)
• Difficulty with reading, writing and/or spelling
• Difficulty with topic maintenance
• Exhibits difficulty with comprehension of orally presented information
• Requires repetition of directions
• Difficulty retelling a story; uses simple language
• Difficulty remembering information
• May display social or behavioral problems
If you notice that your child is exhibiting any of these warning signs, please contact your
pediatrician to voice your concerns. You can also contact your local Speech-Language
Pathologist to discuss your child’s speech and/or language development.
Below is a list of suggested reading for parents regarding speech and language:
1. Childhood Speech, Language and Listening Problems: What Every Parent Should
Know by Patricia McAleer Hamaguchi
2. The Child with Special Needs: Encouraging Intellectual and Emotional Growth
by Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D.
3. The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with
Special Needs, a guide for parents and teachers by Joan E. Heller Miller, et al