Speaking

Key points

Speech is the verbal expression of language and includes articulation (the way we form sounds and words). A child with a speech delay might use words and phrases to express ideas but be hard to understand.
Language is giving and getting information. It's understanding and being understood through communication — verbal, nonverbal, and written. A child with a language delay might say words well but only be able to put two words together.

What is typical?

At 12 months children can typically:

Look for and be able to find where a sound is coming from.
Start to use sounds, gestures and continue to babble.
Begin to say a few words and copy some sounds and noises.
Wave goodbye.
Respond to their name most of the time when you call it.
Look where you point when you say, "Look at the _________."
Say "da-da" to dad and "ma-ma" to mum.
Say at least one word.
Point to items they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing.

At 18 months children can typically:

Say up to 20 single words.
Copy lots of words and noises.
Point to and name a few body parts.
Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.
Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, and then later with words alone.

At 2 years children can typically:

Be able to say 50-100 words.
Begin putting two words together.
Point to some pictures in books.
Changing tone of voice when asking a question.
Say "no" when they don't want something.
Start to use "mine" and "my".
Follow one-step commands without a gesture like "Put your cup on the table."
Say several two-word phrases like "All gone."
Perhaps say a few three-word sentences like "I want juice" or "You go bye-bye."
Be understood by others (or by adults) about half of the time.

At 3 years children can typically:

Say four to five words in a sentence.
Use a variety of words, actions and descriptors.
Ask "who", "what" and "where" questions.
Have a conversation but may not stay on topic.

At 4 years children can typically:

Use words such as "and" and "because" to start forming longer sentences.
Describe recent events.
Ask a lot of questions.
Use personal pronouns (e.g., he/she) and negations (e.g., don't/can't).
Count to five and name a few colours

At 5 years children can typically:

Use well-formed sentences and take turns in conversation.
Tell simple short stories.
Use past and future verbs correctly (e.g., "went", "will go").
Use most speech sounds, but still have difficulties with 's', 'r', 'l' and 'th'

What are the common concerns?

Delays in language are the most common types of developmental delay. One out of five children will learn to talk or use words later than other children their age. Simple speech delays are sometimes temporary and may resolve on their own.

Some common concerns that may influence a child's speech are: An oral impairment, like problems with the tongue or palate (the roof of the mouth).

A short frenulum (the fold beneath the tongue), which can limit tongue movement.

Hearing problems also can affect speech. Children who have trouble hearing may have trouble saying, understanding, imitating, and using language.

Ear inflections may affect hearing a child's hearing, and in turn speech. But as long as there is normal hearing in one ear, speech and language will develop normally.

What can I do?

You can help support your child's speech and language development by:

reading to your child regularly — read different stories and comment on the pictures
playing with your child — talk about what you are doing and what they are seeing or hearing.
it's important to encourage your child to "talk" to you with gestures or sounds.

Who can I speak to?

If you have concerns about your child's speech, make an appointment to see your general practitioner (GP) or Pediatrician. They will arrange an assessment with a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists are trained to help people who have difficulties communicating.