Early detection of speech, language, and hearing issues is absolutely critical to improving academic, social, and career outcomes—and improving one’s quality of life at any age. Do you know the early signs of a communication disorder?
Child Signs of a Language Disorder
- Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)
- Does not babble (4-7 months)
- Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months)
- Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
- Says only a few words (12-18 months)
- Words are not easily understood (18 months-2 years)
- Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years)
- Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years)
- Has trouble with early reading and writing skills (2.5-3 years)
Adult Signs of Speech and Language Disorders
- Struggles to say sounds or words (stuttering)
- Repetition of words or parts of words (stuttering)
- Speaks in short, fragmented phrases (expressive aphasia)
- Says words in the wrong order (expressive aphasia)
- Struggles with using words and understanding others (global aphasia)
- Difficulty imitating speech sounds (apraxia)
- Inconsistent errors (apraxia)
- Slow rate of speech (apraxia)
- Slurred speech (dysarthria)
- Slow or rapid rate of speech, often with a mumbling quality (dysarthria)
If you know of a child or adult that you think may have a communication disorder, please contact us for an evaluation.
Source: IdentifyTheSigns.org