Your child just spoke their first word – what an amazing achievement! A child’s first word is one of the important developmental milestones of childhood that are most remembered by caregivers and family members. It is no secret why it is exciting to hear that first “mama,” “dada,” “hi,” or “bye,” but did you know just how critical the development of language is in childhood?
The development of language and communication skills opens up a child’s world to new social interactions, emotional expression, and learning opportunities. Eventually, children will use language to acquire new knowledge in school and beyond. But what happens if language development is delayed?
Developmental delays affect about 16% of children in the U.S. Minority children are less likely to receive early detection with any form of development delays or conditions. Latinx and Black children tend to have later age diagnosis and has less access to high quality primary care services than their counterparts When a child is not meeting expected milestones for developing language, this is referred to as a language delay or, more commonly, speech delay.
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Speech delay is the most common developmental disorder of childhood, affecting 5-10% of children. Challenges with communication make it difficult for children to express themselves and their needs and often are associated with behavioral difficulties. Although some children’s language abilities catch up to those of their peers during preschool, early language delays are still associated with future learning challenges and neuropsychiatric conditions. It is therefore essential that speech delays are recognized and intervened on early.
How can I promote my child’s language development?
- The best thing you can do as a caregiver is create a language-rich environment for your child. This can start as soon as your child is born with narrating the world around them and reading to them.
- Speak to your child in your primary language, whichever language that may be. They will benefit from hearing the greatest richness and complexity of language that you as a caregiver are able to offer.
- Attend all recommended visits with your child’s pediatrician. One of the reasons your child sees their pediatrician so frequently is to make sure they are developing as expected.
Common myths about speech delay:
- Myth #1: Speaking two languages in the home will cause a child to develop a speech delay.
- This is not the case. Bilingual children have the same language milestones as monolingual children. If a child has a speech delay, it will show up in both languages. When your pediatrician assesses your child, they will consider the most complex language your child knows in both languages to determine if their speech is delayed.
- Myth #2: It is expected that boys will develop speech later than girls.
- This is also inaccurate. While it is true that boys have higher rates of speech delay, this does not mean that a delay in speech in a boy should be expected or ignored. It should be identified and intervened on just like for any other child.
How do I know if my child has a speech delay?
- Some important milestones in language development are: babbling by ~6 months, first word by ~12 months, putting two words together and 50% of speech being understandable by ~2 years of age, putting 3 words together and 75% of speech being understandable by ~3 years of age, and 100% of speech being understandable by ~4 years of age.
- Remember that every child’s circumstance is different so be sure to talk with your child’s pediatrician if you have a question or are concerned.
What will happen if my pediatrician diagnoses my child with a speech delay?
- Your pediatrician will perform a hearing test to ensure your child is able to hear the language being spoken around them. They may also perform additional testing if they are concerned about the speech delay being related to other disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Your pediatrician will refer your child to speech therapy.
- If your child is under the age of 3 years, they can also be assessed by your local Regional Center (which can be identified here) for other early intervention services.
- If your child is over the age of 3 years, they can also be assessed by your local school district for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to obtain appropriate services.
As always, remember to trust your instincts as a caregiver and talk to your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned. Become your child’s advocate.
