Speech and Language Delay in Children

What is speech and language delay?

Children learn to communicate at different rates. Some start talking early, others take their time. This is normal. However, when a child falls noticeably behind typical patterns for their age, it may be worth looking into whether they have a speech or language delay.

Speech refers to the sounds a child makes when talking. Language covers a broader range: understanding words, putting sentences together, and using communication to interact with others. A child can have difficulties with one or both.

Speech and language delays are among the most common developmental concerns in young children. Many children who receive support early on go on to communicate well. Recognising when something might need attention can help, though every family's situation is different and there is no single right moment to seek advice.

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Typical milestones by age

Children do not follow a strict timetable, but loose guidelines exist to help parents and carers judge how things are progressing. Being slightly ahead or behind these markers is usually nothing to worry about.

Early cooing and vowel sounds typically start around two to three months of age. By around six months, many babies start babbling with repeated sounds. Towards their first birthday, most children understand simple words and may say one or two themselves.

Between 12 and 18 months, vocabulary often grows slowly at first. Some guidelines suggest children may have around 50 words by 18 months, though this varies widely. Children at this stage usually understand more than they can say. They might follow simple instructions and point to objects they want.

From 18 months to two years, there is often a burst in word learning. Many children start combining two words together. They can typically follow two-step instructions.

By age three, most children speak in short sentences and can be understood by people outside the family most of the time. They ask questions, use pronouns, and enjoy simple conversations.

At four and five years old, children are generally understood by strangers, though some sounds may not be fully mastered until age six or seven. Their sentences grow longer and more complex. They can tell stories and describe events.

These are general patterns. Children from bilingual or multilingual households may show different timelines, sometimes appearing slower in one language while developing skills across both. This is a normal part of learning multiple languages. Temperament and individual differences also play a role. If you have concerns, trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice subtle differences in their child's development.

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When to seek advice

There are certain signs that may suggest a child would benefit from an assessment:

• Not babbling by 12 months
• Not using any words by 18 months
• Not combining words by age two
• Losing speech or language skills they previously had
• Struggling to understand simple instructions
• Being very difficult to understand by age three
• Showing frustration when trying to communicate

If any of these apply, speak to your health visitor or GP. They can advise whether a referral to a speech and language therapist would be helpful. Some areas in England allow direct contact with NHS speech and language therapy services without a GP referral, though this varies by location. Check your local NHS trust website to find out what applies where you live.

Screening tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire are sometimes used to help identify concerns. Your health visitor may use these during routine checks.

Early assessment does not mean something is definitely wrong. It simply helps identify whether support could make a difference. Many children who are referred turn out to be developing within a normal range.

Getting support

If a delay is identified, a speech and language therapist will work with you and your child. The type of support depends on the child's needs. It might involve regular therapy sessions, strategies for you to use at home, or a combination of both. Some services now offer remote sessions or recommend apps to support practice between appointments.

Parents and carers play a central role. Simple everyday activities can support speech and language development: talking during routines, reading together, singing songs, and giving children time to respond without rushing them.

Speech and language difficulties can sometimes affect a child's confidence and social interactions. Children may become frustrated or withdraw from situations where communication is difficult. Supporting their emotional wellbeing alongside their communication skills matters too.

In some cases, delays may be linked to other conditions such as hearing problems, developmental differences, or learning difficulties. Therapists work alongside other professionals when needed to provide a fuller picture.

Support is available through the NHS. For children in early years settings or schools, additional help may come through the setting's special educational needs coordinator. The charity I CAN offers information and resources for families in the UK, as does the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Every child's path is different. With the right support at the right time, most children with speech and language delays make good progress.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Speech and Language Checker lets you worried about your child's speech or language? Answer questions about what they can say and understand, and find out if they are on track for their age with advice on what to do next. Try it now →