Know the Signs of Speech and Language Disorders
Signs of common speech and language disorders in adults and in children from birth to 4 years of age, an important stage in early detection of communication disorders.
Signs of a Language Disorder
- Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
- Does not babble (4–6 months)
- Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like reaching (7–9 months)
- Does not understand what others say (10 months – 2 years)
- Says only a few words (19 months – 2 years)
- Does not put words together to make sentences (19 months – 3 years)
- Speaks using words that are not easily understood by others (3–4 years)
- Has trouble with early reading skills, like pretending to read or finding the front of a book (4–5 years)
What Parents/Caregivers Can Do
- Listen and respond to your child.
- Talk, read, and play with your child.
- Talk with your child in the language you are most comfortable using.
- Know that it is good to teach your child to speak a second language.
- Talk about what you are doing and what your child is doing.
- Use a lot of different words with your child.
- Use longer sentences as your child gets older.
Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder
- Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
- Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (3–4 years)
- Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)
What Parents/Caregivers Can Do
- Say the sounds correctly when you talk—and know that it is okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds.
- Avoid correcting your child’s speech sounds—it is more important to let your child keep talking.
Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency)
- Repeats first sounds of words—“b-b-b-ball” for “ball”
- Stretches sounds out—“ffffff-farm” for “farm”
- Shows frustration when trying to get words out
What Parents/Caregivers Can Do
- Give your child time to talk.
- Avoid interrupting, stopping, or telling your child to slow down while they are speaking.
- See an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) if you are concerned.
Signs of a Voice Disorder
- Loss of voice
- Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
- Speaks with strain and effort
What Parents/Caregivers Can Do
- See a doctor if your child sounds hoarse or breathy.
- Tell your child to avoid shouting and screaming.
- Make sure that your child drinks water throughout the day.
- Include quiet time/voice rest during the day.
Find a Professional Through ASHA ProFind
A Campaign by ASHA
Identify the Signs aims to educate the public about the warning signs of communication disorders. Speech, language, and hearing disorders are treatable and early detection is a major contributor to speedier recoveries, shortened treatment periods, and reduced costs for individuals and society. Use this site to learn the warning signs; if necessary, seek professional help; and share information with family, friends, and social networks.
Source: https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/
Signs of Speech and Language Disorders
Note: If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these signs, especially for the first time, seek out the services of your medical provider and an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist.
- Has problems saying sounds correctly
- Uses slurred or slowed rate of speech
- Has problems coordinating mouth or speech movements
- Has difficulty imitating speech sounds
- Struggles to get out sounds or words
- Repeats sounds, words, or parts of words
- Experiences changes in voice (e.g., hoarse, raspy, breathy, nasal, or low-volume voice)
- Has trouble thinking of the words they want to say
- Has problems expressing what they want or need
- Speaks in short, fragmented phrases
- Says words in the wrong order
- Has trouble following directions or conversations
- Has difficulty understanding what others say
- Has new trouble reading, writing, spelling, or using numbers
What Communication Partners Can Do
- Give the person time to communicate (rather than guessing or trying to finish their sentences).
- Focus on understanding a person’s message rather than stopping conversation to correct a word or pronunciation.
- Ask the person or their care partner how they best communicate.
- Ask the person if they want help communicating before giving that help.
- Use other forms of communication when needed (e.g., gestures, pen and paper, text to talk, augmentative and alternative communication devices).
- Let the person know when you have trouble understanding them. Avoid pretending to understand.
- If you still don’t understand, ask yes or no questions. Or ask them to point or write/draw.
- Talk in quiet areas with no distractions.
- Keep information short and simple but adult. Don’t “talk down” to the person.
- Break down directions into small steps. Repeat directions or key information as needed.
- Using written words or pictures to help. For example, post pictures or write down the steps for how to prepare a simple meal.
- Give choices instead of asking an open-ended question. For example, “Do you want coffee or juice?” instead of “What do you want to drink?”
- Pause to let the other person think about what you’ve said.
- Check with the person to make sure that they understand you.
- Keep your voice at a normal level. You do not need to speak louder unless the person asks you to.
- Help the person seek out the services of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist.
Find a Professional Through ASHA ProFind
A Campaign by ASHA
Identify the Signs aims to educate the public about the warning signs of communication disorders. Speech, language, and hearing disorders are treatable and early detection is a major contributor to speedier recoveries, shortened treatment periods, and reduced costs for individuals and society. Use this site to learn the warning signs; if necessary, seek professional help; and share information with family, friends, and social networks.
Source: https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/
