If you’ve noticed your child struggling with communication, you might be wondering if it’s just a phase or something more. In this blog, I’ll break down what a language delay is, how to recognise if your child might have one, and what to expect from speech therapy sessions. As a practicing speech pathologist, I’ve worked with many children with language delays. I’ll share practical insights and strategies that have helped families just like yours.
What’s covered in the article:
We use the term “language delay” to describe when a child’s language development is slower than expected for their age. This means that they are progressing through the same stages of language development as their peers but at a DELAYED pace.
Let’s consider an example. By the age of 2, most children can typically say around 50 words and start combining them into simple two-word phrases like “more cars” or “big dog”. However, a child with a language delay might still be using single words and struggling to put two words together by this age. Similarly, by age 3, a child may have trouble understanding simple instructions or forming sentences with three or more words, while their peers can already communicate more fluently while having a vocabulary size of 200 words.
Language delays can affect a child’s …
These delays might be primary (with no other underlying condition) or secondary to issues like hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay or intellectual disability.
Language refers to how your child understands and uses words to communicate their ideas. This includes the vocabulary they use, and how they put sentences together to express their thoughts and feelings. Whereas speech refers to how your child articulates the sounds in words, how they use their tongues and lips to make their words clear for others to understand. Learn more about speech delays in this blog “How Do I Know If My Child has a Speech Delay?”.
While speech and language often overlap, they are separate developmental areas. Let me give you an example of the difference. Imagine asking your child, “Can you bring me the red ball?”. If your child has a language delay, they may struggle to understand the meaning “red” or “ball,” or may not grasp the full instruction. As a result, they might not bring the correct object or fail to at all because they don’t comprehend what is being asked. Conversely, if your child has a speech delay, he or she understands the instruction perfectly and knows what to do, but when asked to say “red ball”, they might struggle to pronounce the words correctly. For example, they might say something like “wed ball” due to difficulty producing the correct sounds.
Language and speech delays can often co-occur. When looking at which one to target first, it’s important to consider developing their vocabulary and comprehension before worrying about clear speech sounds.
You can read more about pre-requisite skills for language development in this blog.
Language delays are often recognised between the ages of 2 and 7. It affects approximately 10-15% of children under the age of 3. While some children may naturally catch up to their peers, others face ongoing challenges that can continue into adulthood. In fact, research suggests that 50-70% of children with early language delays are at risk of experiencing long-term language and communication difficulties.
Because early intervention is key to supporting your child’s language development, it’s important to look out for the following signs indicating a language delay:
As your child enters kindergarten where there are more opportunities for social interactions and structured work, you may notice these signs:
It’s important to know that these difficulties can be resulted from other developmental conditions and that it may be recommended that you seek support from various health professionals to understand the cause of your child’s difficulties.
Online Speechie also offers the free Online Speechie Language Check-In tool to help you gauge if your child’s language skills are delayed, at-risk, or on track. This easy-to-use tool takes just 15 minutes to complete from the comfort of your home and provides immediate feedback on your child’s language development.
Language delays in children can be resulted from various factors such as:
Children with hearing issues often struggle with language development because they cannot hear the words they need to learn. Frequent ear infections or ongoing hearing problems can make it difficult for them to pick up new words and sounds.
Language delays tend to run in families. Research suggests that children with a family history of language delays are 2 times more likely to be late talkers as compared to those with no such family history.
Twins are more prone to language delays, potentially due to factors like less one-on-one interaction with parents and the bond they share with each other, which can reduce the need for outside communication. Check out this blog here on Language in boys and twins: Late talking.
Autism can affect both the understanding and use of language. Research suggests that it is because ASD affects the way the brain processes language.
ID can affect memory, attention, and processing speed, all of which are critical for learning and using language.
Research shows that imitation is one of the earliest forms of learning for infants. By copying sounds, facial expressions, and gestures, children begin to understand the meaning behind words and sentences. Severe neglect or limited social interaction can reduce a child’s exposure to language learning opportunities.
Stress during pregnancy or exposure to harmful chemicals can impact a baby’s brain development, leading to possible delays in language.
Understanding the cause of a language delay is important for identifying the most appropriate supports needed.
A language disorder is more severe and persistent than a language delay. A delay means a child is developing language skills at a slower rate and may catch up over time. A language disorder, however, is a significant and ongoing challenge that affects a child’s ability to understand and use language effectively. This difference becomes more obvious as the child grows, as it can impact daily life such as social interactions, learning, and academic success.
In Western Australia where Online Speechie is based, Language Development Centres (LDCs) are schools attached to mainstream schools that cater to children who have been diagnosed with a significant language disorder. These centres provide language-rich programs designed to support children whose language difficulties make it hard for them to succeed in a regular school setting.
At Online Speechie, we offer speech pathology assessments needed for children who are potential candidates for placement at an LDC. Learn more about the assessments we offer to help your child access educational supports here.
No need to worry—we’re here to help! There are plenty of simple and effective things you can do at home to support your child’s language development. Encouraging language through daily interactions is key, and it doesn’t require extra work or toys—just small adjustments in how you engage with your child can make a big difference! In my practice, I often recommend the following strategies:
Instead of asking yes/no questions, offer your child choices. For example, ask, “Do you want the blue or red shirt?” or “Do you want to stop or go?”. This method encourages them to use language in their response. Children are more likely to repeat the last option they hear, making it a fun and natural way to promote speech.
Copying your child’s sounds and gestures not only validates their attempts at communication but also encourages them to imitate you. This back-and-forth play builds the foundation for learning words and can be a fun way to engage with your child. When they clap or wave, do the same and describe it, saying “You’re clapping”.
When doing daily activities or playing, use action words to describe what’s happening. For example, as you play, say “go,” “push,” “throw,” or “jump” while doing those actions. This helps your child link the word with the action.
During playtime, pause and use expectant waiting to encourage your child to respond. For example, while playing a game like “Ready, set…,” pause before saying “go” to give your child the chance to finish the sentence or express excitement. This builds anticipation and gives them an opportunity to use language.
Talk to your child about what you’re doing as you go about your day. Simple narration like “I’m washing the dishes” or “We’re putting the toys away” helps build their understanding of language in context.
Reading is one of the most effective ways to introduce new words to your child. Books expose children to language they don’t hear in everyday conversation, especially when it comes to rhyming books or stories with repetitive phrases. Children who are read to frequently learn significantly more words than those who aren’t.
Singing songs with gestures, like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” will help your child learn to communicate through both words and movements.
Instead of constantly asking questions like “What’s that?” try commenting on what your child is doing. For example, say, “Wow, that’s a big truck!” or “Look, you found a red ball.” This approach reduces the pressure to respond, keeping interactions playful and stress-free.
The Importance of Early Intervention
While these strategies can make a big difference in supporting your child’s language development at home, early intervention is crucial if you suspect a language delay. Seeking support from a speech therapist can ensure your child gets the tailored help they need to improve their communication skills.
At Online Speechie, we offer in-person sessions, telehealth and personalised home programs. If you have any concerns or would like to book an appointment, contact us here.
When I’m with my language delay client, our sessions are designed to be engaging, interactive, and goal-focused, with a strong emphasis on supporting my client’s progress both in the clinic and at home. Remember, speech therapy sessions for young children are evidence-based, meaning that the strategies and techniques used are backed by scientific research and have been proven to be effective in improving language and communication skills.
Here’s how a session might look when combining play-based strategies with structured communication goals:
In my sessions, I focus on play-based activities because children learn best in fun and natural environments. I use toys, games, and activities that interest the child to create a fun, low-pressure environment. For example, I might use building blocks, toy cars, or pretend food to encourage my client to follow directions, make choices, or describe what they are doing. This creates a relaxed and low-pressure setting.
I often use a multi-sensory approach, incorporating touch, sight, and sound to make language learning more meaningful for children with language delays. For example, when using playdough, I encourage the child to touch, press, and mold the dough while I describe the actions. As they squeeze the dough, I might say, “Squish the dough” or “Roll it into a ball”. This approach will help your child’s expressive language skills by associating the sensory experience with the corresponding words.
I regularly discuss language goals with parents and caregivers, ensuring that we’re all on the same page. Together, we’ll set realistic, step-by-step goals based on your child’s current abilities and progress. I’ll guide you in using simple, everyday strategies—like narrating tasks or offering choices—that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. As a parent, you are the most significant influence on your child’s language development. While our therapy sessions are helpful, progress is dependent on how well these strategies are carried into your child’s everyday life.
Visual aids and gestures play a crucial role in helping children understand and use language. For example, I might work on the word “drink” with my client. During snack time or mealtime, I would show my client a picture of a cup or point to a real cup and then use the gesture of lifting an imaginary cup to my mouth as I say “drink”. I could even incorporate the use of Key Word Signs. This way, my client connects the visual aid, gesture, and the word with the action of drinking. Read this blog here on Key Word Signs: A Strategy for Late Talkers.
Young children thrive on repetition. In my sessions, I intentionally repeat words and phrases throughout to reinforce learning. I also use familiar routines, such as singing the same song or playing the same game, which creates a comfortable, predictable environment where the child feels more confident to practice their communication skills.
Language is tightly linked to social interaction. I often use turn-taking games like rolling a ball back and forth to teach conversational skills. These games help children practice listening, waiting for their turn, and responding, which are all important components of communication.
Supporting a child with a language delay can feel challenging, but with the right strategies and guidance, meaningful progress is possible. If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support.
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