Condition : Language delay

Language is about understanding and being understood through speech, written word, and physical expression (facial expressions, postures, and hand gestures).

Language development varies in every child, so even if they have a very similar background and upbringing to their peers, they may reach some milestones a bit later than expected and that wouldn’t be a cause for concern.

However, if your child has a language delay, they might not reach certain milestones, such as:

• 12 months old: using gestures, such as pointing or waving
• 18 months old: preferring to speak rather than use gestures and not just copying
• two years old: following simple directions and joining at least two words together to form meaning (for example, “more water”)
• three years old: forming short sentences with the words in the correct order
• four years old: can be mostly understood, even by people they don’t know, or comprehend what they are able to read

Language delay vs. speech sound disorders

Speech is the physical act of talking. Speech sounds develop over time, with most children being able to produce them all by the age of eight.

If your child has a speech sound disorder, they will struggle to form words clearly because they have a problem making certain sounds. This could lead to them avoiding speech, and this may be mistaken for language delay.

• Read more about speech sound disorders

It might not always be clear what has caused a language delay, but possible reasons include:

• developmental language disorder (long term difficulties using and understanding language)
• hearing problems
• auditory processing disorder
• dyslexia

Speaking more than one language will not cause a delay.

Visit GOV.UK – Newborn hearing screening: making and reacting to sounds checklists

Advice on what to look for as your baby grows to check if they can hear. 

• Visit GOV.UK – Newborn hearing screening

National Deaf Children's Society

Support for children and young people up to the age of 25 who are experiencing hearing loss 

• Visit National Deaf Children’s Society

Speech and Language UK – Child’s progress checker

A tool to give you an idea of how your child’s speech is developing and whether you need support or advice.

• Visit Speech and Language UK