Signs of Childhood Speech Problems

Many laypersons recognize obvious speech problems in schoolchildren such as stuttering or general disfluency. Since there are many different types of speech disorders, however, learning to detect the signs of any type of disorder can play a central role in early intervention. Consult your physician and an intervention center if you identify any of the following symptoms:

• Infant does not smile or interact with others (ranging from soon after birth to one year of age)
• Infant does not babble by the age of four to seven months old
• Infant makes very few sounds or only uses gestures (such as pointing) by the age of seven to 12 months old
• Child uses only a few words between 12 and 18 months old
• Child’s words are high unintelligible after the age of two years old
• Child does not use any complete sentences by the age of three years old
• Child has trouble speaking or playing with other children by age three years old

Signs of Childhood Hearing Problems

There are a number of congenital factors that can result in hearing problems. These factors can result in early hearing loss or a hearing condition that progressively worsens with time. While some hearing problems become apparent in pediatric checkups, other children can make it well into school years before parents or teachers identify the problem. However, several factors should alert parents or caregivers to potential hearing problems:

• No reaction to sound at any age
• Infant does not jump or react in response to loud or sudden sounds
• No babbling once the infant has passed nine months of age
• No words spoken by the time a toddler has reached 18 to 24 months of age
• Toddler does not react or follow simple commands by 24 months of age
• Poor vocal quality at age

Signs of Childhood Language Problems

Language problems can occur when a child has not met the expected communication milestones for any given age. While the prospect of language delays can be upsetting, it is important to know that they are also common. According to a University of Michigan study, language problems affect up to 10 percent of preschool-age children. Address the early signs of language problems can play an important role in preventing delays or impairments from having an undue impact on school performance or social interactions. Parents or caregivers can help their children by taking note of the following signs:

• Child does not babble by 15 months of age
• Child does not use words by two years of age
• Child does not use simple sentences by three years of age
• Preschool-age child consistently leaves words out of sentences, has unusually poor articulation, or trouble putting words into sentences
• Preschool-age child expresses difficulty or disinterest in using writing utensils (including colored pencils and crayons) or learning letters

By recognizing the warning signs early, adults can take the first steps in getting the proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to help any child.