Children learn language at different rates. But if children miss language development milestones by a long way, they are regarded as having a language delay.

did you knowQuestion mark symbol

Growing up in a home where two languages are spoken is not associated with language delay. A child learning English as a second language might be slower than other children at first, but will generally catch up.

 

What is a language delay?

A language delay is when children have trouble:

  • saying first words or learning words
  • putting words together to make sentences
  • building their vocabulary
  • understanding words or sentences.

Some language delays are associated with disorders such as autism or Down syndrome, or hearing impairments. Many occur on their own.

Language delay, language disorder or speech disorder?

A language delay is different from a speech disorder or language disorder:

  • A speech disorder is when children have difficulty pronouncing the sounds in words. This can make their speech difficult to understand. Children with a speech disorder might have language skills that are otherwise good. That is, they understand words and sentences well and can form sentences correctly. 
  • If a child has a language delay that persists, it might be a sign of a language disorder. A language disorder is characterised by significant delays in learning to talk and understand language. Children with speech disorders do not necessarily have a language delay, but they can have both.
If you’re concerned about the way your child pronounces words (for example, saying ‘tat’ instead of ‘cat’), read more about speech (sound) disorders.

When to get help

Children develop language at different rates. So comparing your child to other children of the same age mightn’t help you to identify whether your child has a language delay.

It is best to seek professional advice if any of the following apply to your child.

By 12 months
Your child is not trying to communicate with you (using sounds, gestures, and/or words), particularly when needing help or wanting something.

By 2 years
Your child:

  • is not saying about 50 different words
  • is not combining two or more words together (for example, ‘More drink’, ‘Mum up’)
  • is not producing words spontaneously (that is, your child only copies words or phrases from others)
  • does not seem to understand simple instructions or questions (for example, ‘Get your shoes’, ‘Want a drink?’, ‘Where’s Daddy?’).

Note: at the age of two, about one in five children show signs of having a language delay. Many of these children will catch up as they get older. Some will continue to have trouble with language.

At about 3 years
Your child:

  • is not combining words into longer phrases or sentences (for example, ‘Help me Mummy’, ‘Want more drink’)
  • does not seem to understand longer instructions or questions (for example, ‘Get your shoes and put them in the box’, ‘What do you want to eat for lunch today?’)
  • takes little or no interest in books
  • is not asking questions.

At any age
Your child:

  • has been diagnosed with a hearing loss, developmental delay or syndrome in which language might be affected (for example autism, Asperger’s syndrome and Down syndrome, or other less known syndromes like Fragile X, Landau-Kleffner and Klinefelter)
  • stops doing things she used to do – for example, she stops talking.
Children having difficulties with language should get help as early as possible. You’re the best judge of your child’s language development. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts and seek help from a professional. If this professional isn’t concerned about your child, but you’re still worried, seek another opinion.

Where to get help

If you think your child is having trouble with language, talk to a professional. You can try:

Speech pathologists
A speech pathologist will assess your child’s understanding and use of language. The speech pathologist might use language tests designed to get your child to use words or to see how your child responds to requests, commands or questions.

The speech pathologist might ask you questions about how your child understands and uses language at home. You’ll also be asked about your child’s background – for example, when your child first started using words, when your child walked, whether your child was premature, and about your family, especially whether anyone has had a language delay or language problems.

If a language delay is suspected, the speech pathologist might suggest some therapy sessions, either one-on-one with you, or in a group where your child participates in language activities alongside other children.

You’ll find speech pathologists who work with young children at community health centres, hospitals and private practices. You don’t usually need a referral, but talk to a GP or your Maternal and Child Health nurse if you need help finding a speech pahologist. You can also visit Speech Pathology Australia’s Find a Speech Pathologist page.

Audiologists
If you are concerned about a hearing impairment, it’s best to have your child’s hearing checked by a professional such as an audiologist. If your child does have a hearing loss, the audiologist can tell you how the child’s hearing could be interfering with language development and communication.

Causes of language delay

We don’t know what causes language delay in most cases. But research has shown that there is likely to be a genetic or biological component.

Language delay is more likely for:

  • boys
  • children who have a close family member with a history of a language delay or communication disorder
  • children who have a developmental disorder or syndrome in which language delay is a typical feature – for example, Down syndrome
  • children with ongoing hearing problems and ear infections.
Sometimes, delays in communication skills can be signs of more serious developmental disorders including hearing impairment, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism.  You know your child better than anyone else. If you have a concern, talk to your GP or a health professional.
 
 
 
  • Last Updated 14-06-2010
  • Last Reviewed 14-06-2010
  • Acknowledgements

    Article developed in collaboration with Associate Professor Jennifer Hudson, Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW.

  • Dale, P. S., Price, T. S., Bishop, D. V. M., & Plomin, R. (2003). Outcomes of early language delay. Predicting persistent and transient language difficulties at 3 and 4 years. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, 46, 544-560.

    Dale, P., Simonoff, E., Bishop, D., Eley, T., Oliver, B., Price, T., Purcell, S., Stevenson, J., & Plomin, R. (1998). Genetic influence on language delay in two-year-old children. Nature Neuroscience, 1, 324-328.

    Law J, Boyle J, Harris F, Harkness A, Nye C. (2000). Prevalence and natural history of primary speech and language delay: findings from a systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 35(2), 165-188.

    Lalakea, L. M., & Messner, A. H. (2003). Ankyloglossia: Does it matter? Pediatric Clinics of North America, 50(2), 381-397.

    Nelson, H. D., Nygren, P., Walker, M., & Panoscha, R. (2006). Screening for speech and language delay in preschool children: Systematic evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics, 117, 298-319.

    Reilly, S., Wake, M., Bavin, E. L., Prior, M., Williams, J., Bretherton, L., Eadie, P., Barrett, Y., & Ukoumunne, O. C. (2007). Predicting language at age 2 years: A prospective community study. Pediatrics, 120, e1441.

    Roberts, J. E., Rosenfeld, R. M., & Zeisel, S. A. (2004). Otitis Media and Speech and Language: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies. Pediatrics, 113(3), e238-e248.

    Simpson, S., Thomas, C.L., van der Linden, M., MacMillan, H., van der Wouden, J.C., & Butler, C. (2007). Identification of children in the first four years of life for early treatment for otitis media with effusion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, Art. No.: CD004163. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004163.pub2.