Speech is how we say sounds and words. It is normal for young children to say some sounds the wrong way. Some sounds do not develop until a child is 4, 5, or 6 years old. Signs of a speech sound disorder in young children include:
1–2 years
Not saying p, b, m, h, and w the right way in words most of the time
2–3 years
Not saying k, g, f, t, d, and n the right way in words most of the time. Being hard to understand, even to people who know the child well.
You can help your child learn to say sounds by
Saying sounds the right way when you talk. Your child needs good speech models.
Not correcting speech sounds. It is okay if your child says some sounds the wrong way.
Most of us pause or repeat a sound or word when we speak. When this happens a lot, the person may stutter. Young children may stutter for a little while. This is normal and will go away over time. Signs that stuttering might not stop include:
2½–3 years
Having a lot of trouble saying sounds or words
Repeating the first sounds of words, like "b-b-b-ball" for "ball"
Pausing a lot while talking
Stretching sounds out, like "fffffarm" for "farm"
You can help your child by
Giving your child time to talk.
Not interrupting or stopping your child while he speaks.
Noticing if your child gets upset when stuttering. Pay attention to how she speaks. Children who stutter may close their eyes or move their face or body when talking.
We use our voice to make sounds. Our voice can change when we use it the wrong way. We can lose our voice when we are sick or after talking or yelling a lot. Signs that your child may have a voice disorder include:
Having a hoarse, scratchy, or breathy voice.
Sounding nasal, or like he talks through his nose.
You can help your child by:
Seeing a doctor if your child’s voice sounds different and it does not go away after a short time.
Telling your child not to shout or scream.
Keeping your child away from cigarette smoke.
Some children have a hearing loss at birth. Others lose their hearing as they get older. Some signs that your child may have a hearing loss include:
Birth–1 year
Not paying attention to sounds
7 months–1 year
Not responding when you call her name
1–2 years
Not following simple directions
Birth–3 years
Having speech and language delays
You can help your child by:
Making sure your child has a newborn hearing screening.
Taking your child to the doctor if he has an ear infection.
Seeing an audiologist if you worry about your child’s hearing.
Getting help early is better than waiting. You may be able to get free or low-cost services for your child. Talk to your doctor or contact your local school. They can tell you about early intervention programs and other services.
Language is made up of the words we use to share ideas and get what we want. Language includes speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. A child with a language disorder may have trouble with one or more of these skills.
Signs of language problems include:
Birth–3 months
Not smiling or playing with others
4–7 months
Not babbling
7–12 months
Making only a few sounds. Not using gestures, like waving or pointing.
7 months–2 years
Not understanding what others say
12–18 months
Saying only a few words
1½–2 years
Not putting two words together
2 years
Saying fewer than 50 words
2–3 years
Having trouble playing and talking with other children
2½–3 years
Having problems with early reading and writing. For example, your child may not like to draw or look at books.
You can help your child learn language by
Talking, reading, and playing with your child.
Listening and responding to what your child says.
Talking with your child in the language that you are most comfortable using.
Teaching your child to speak another language, if you speak one.
Talking about what you do and what your child does during the day.
Using a lot of different words with your child.
Using longer sentences, as your child gets older.
Having your child play with other children.
Parent-friendly description of phonological processes:
http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/wp-content/downloads/forms/phonological_processes.pdf
Intelligibility Charts:
AAE Dialectal Features (pages 626-627 from Craig, Thompson, Washington, & Potter, 2003):
http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=1781226
AAE Dialectal Features (pages 626-627 from Craig, Thompson, Washington, & Potter, 2003):
http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=1781226
Children and adults can have speech and language disorders. Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, can help.