For most families, a child’s first words are nothing short of magical—a moment filled with laughter, celebration, and sometimes a few happy tears. But what happens when those words don’t come as expected? If your child isn’t speaking fluently or you’ve noticed delays, it’s natural to feel uncertain or concerned. Here’s what you need to know—and how you can help.
Spotting the Milestones: When Speech Delays Raise Red Flags
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are certain milestones paediatricians and speech therapists use as a guide. By age one, most children say a few simple words, like “mama” or “dada.” By two, toddlers often string words together into simple phrases. If your child isn’t hitting these markers, it may be time to pay closer attention.
It’s important to remember that occasional stumbles, hesitations, and mispronunciations are normal. However, persistent challenges can signal an underlying problem. Watch for:
- By 12 months: Not babbling or using gestures (like pointing or waving)
- By 18 months: Only saying a few words and not gaining new ones
- By 2 years: Unable to combine two words (“more juice”)
- By 3 years: Difficult to understand by people outside the family or frustration when trying to communicate
If you notice these signs, don’t panic. Early identification is key to helping your child thrive.
When to Worry: Understanding the Causes Behind Speech Difficulties
Speech and language delays can have many causes. Some children are simply late talkers, while others may have hearing issues, oral-motor challenges, or underlying developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Specific Language Impairment.
Unravel these possibilities with:
- Hearing tests—some children hear less than you’d suspect, especially after repeated ear infections.
- Speech and language screenings—these help assess how your child understands and uses language.
- Observation of interaction—sometimes, a child understands more than they say, a subtle yet profound clue.
It’s essential to work with professionals, as early support can transform long-term outcomes.
Taking Action: How to Seek Help and Support Your Child
If your child’s speech doesn’t seem to be progressing, reach out to your NHS GP or Health Visitor. Don’t wait for “them to catch up”—professional evaluation is safe, non-intrusive, and can provide valuable reassurance or intervention.
Here’s how the process may look:
- Speak to your GP or Health Visitor: They’ll help coordinate referrals and assessments.
- Request a hearing test: Rule out or confirm hearing issues.
- Schedule a speech-language evaluation: A specialist will observe, test, and suggest tailored activities.
At home, you can also encourage development with small, daily actions:
- Narrate your day, describing what you and your child are doing
- Ask open-ended questions, even if responses aren’t full words
- Read together and engage with colourful picture books
- Sing, rhyme, and play with sounds—the sillier, the better!
Remember, feeling supported and understood empowers both you and your child.
Catching Up: The Power of Early Intervention
Did you know that up to one in ten children will encounter some speech delay? The good news: with early intervention, most children catch up with their peers. Speech therapists use creative games, playful exercises, and conversational tricks to boost skills and confidence. Even a few sessions can spark remarkable progress.
The earlier you act, the greater the impact.
Sometimes, delays are temporary—but sometimes they’re the first whispers of something that needs a helping hand. Parents often say that seeking help was their best decision: “I only wish I’d started sooner.”
As you navigate these uncertain moments, remember—communication is so much more than words. A world of gestures, laughter, and expression lies ahead.
If you’re wondering when to seek help, trust your instincts and embrace the journey with curiosity. What new stories might unfold when every voice is given the chance to grow?