Signs of Speech Delay in Preschool Children

In this article, we’ll explain certain signs of speech delay to look out for in children, so you can provide them with the help they need in time.

All children develop at their own pace, which is why it’s difficult to define what a normal rhythm should be.

Nevertheless, you should also keep in mind certain criteria about standard development in order to identify whether or not your child is developing as they should.

For example, a child who is 20 months old and has never said a word should be taken to the doctor. It’s important to identify whether the child has a hearing problem or a speech-related issue.

Having this knowledge is crucial, as it allows parents to know exactly what their children need and how to provide the appropriate help.

Parents should be aware of certain signs of speech delay in order to identify whether their children are experiencing some sort of difficulty.

It’s important to detect these issues early on in order to provide timely solutions and prevent further consequences. That’s why we’ve decided to share with you the tell-tale signs of speech delay.

Sings of speech delay in preschool children 

Here are some signs of speech delay that you should keep in mind as your child develops. Speak with your pediatrician immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.

It’s important for parents to keep in mind the different age groups in order to determine if the child is developing as they should.

2 years old

They struggle to pronounce words and are only able to imitate speech patterns without producing full sentences. They speak with a few words over and over again and are unable to communicate messages to others using speech.

Issues understanding simple instructions. In severe cases they may not be able to produce any type of speech, not even a single word.

3 years old

They have issues communicating with other people and they may even be unable to produce short phrases. This lack of communication can cause them to feel very frustrated.

On many occasions this frustration can be translated as tantrums and behavioral issues. They’re unable to explain what they want or need.

4 years old

At this age it can be alarming when a child doesn’t understand how to make sentences or to comprehend simple instructions. A warning sign to watch out for is if the child has difficulty using “I” or “You” correctly.

Similarly to what occurs with 3-year-old children, their lack of communication can cause frustration and inappropriate behavior.

5 years old

An evident warning sign at this age is children who don’t understand simple orders or are unable to pronounce their own name or someone else’s correctly.

Other warning signs of speech delay to watch out for is if they have issues using the past tense correctly or the incorrect use of plurals while speaking.

These children might also be incapable of telling you stories or events that took place during the day at school.

If you notice that your child is having trouble speaking or showing the tell-tale signs of speech delay, don’t hesitate.

Go directly to your pediatrician in order for them to make an appropriate assessment of your child’s situation.

It’s very important to have a timely diagnosis in order to find the solutions that your child needs. With early stimulation these speech delays can becoming things of the past.