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Speech and Language Development: Signs of Possible Problems

Table of Contents


Overview

If your child doesn't reach speech and language milestones as expected, it might not mean that something is wrong. Each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. But not reaching milestones can be a sign of a problem (delay) with speech and language development. Your child should be checked by a doctor.

Language delays include problems understanding what is heard or read (receptive language delays) or problems putting words together to form meaning (expressive language delays). Some children have both speech and language delays.

Signs of a speech or language delay may include:

Talk to your doctor anytime you or another caregiver has concerns about your child's speech and language development. Also talk to your doctor if you think there may be another problem that affects your child's speech or understanding of language. These problems may include:


Credits for Speech and Language Development: Signs of Possible Problems

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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