Speech and Language Delays: Key Steps for Parents or Caregivers to Support Their Child’s Development
As a parent or caregiver, it can be concerning to notice that your child is not developing speech or language skills as quickly as their peers. Childhood is a time of rapid growth, and communication is crucial for social interactions and academic success. If your child struggles with pronouncing words, has a limited vocabulary, stutters, difficulty with social interactions, or has difficulty understanding others, it’s natural to feel worried and confused.
Speech and language delays are more common than many realize, with roughly one in 12 children ages 3 to 17 experiencing such issues. Children develop at their own pace, and various factors like genetics, environment, or neurological conditions can influence progress. However, early identification and intervention are crucial for better long-term outcomes.
Parents may feel frustrated or isolated when their child struggles in an area others excel in, but it is important to know that many children overcome speech or language delays with the right support. As a caregiver, you can advocate for your child and provide the necessary tools for success.
Speech and language development is influenced by a wide range of factors, some within your control and others not. By noticing the signs early, you are giving your child the best chance for success.
You can seek support through two primary systems: the medical model and the school model. One focuses on medical necessity, while the other is anchored in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), each with its own criteria to establish need and determine eligibility for services.
The medical model focuses on diagnosis and intervention through healthcare professionals. If you suspect a delay, consult your child’s pediatrician, who may refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for further assessment. Early Intervention programs for children under age 3 can provide specialized therapy. For older children, they receive individualized and/or group therapy sessions in a clinic model.
Once your child turns 3, the school system becomes a key resource. Under IDEA, schools are required to support children with speech or language delays. A special education evaluation is the first step, and parent consent is required before it can proceed. To decide if a student qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the team considers three key questions:
- Is there a disability?
- If so, is the child’s disability causing an adverse effect on their educational performance?
- If so, are specially designed instruction and/or related services and supports needed to help the student progress in the general education curriculum?
If the answer to these three key questions is yes, then the school may create an IEP outlining specific services and support.
For more information on speech, language, and hearing disorders, visit:
Lastly, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month each May raises awareness about communication disorders. A special thank you to speech-language pathologists (SLPs), speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), audiologists, and other professionals who make a difference in the lives of children and families facing these challenges.