Speech Disorder Warning Signs

Language Disorder Warning Signs

• Does not smile or show interest in others
• Does not babble between 4-8 months old
• Makes only a few sounds or gestures between 8-12 months
• Does not respond to what others say at 1-2 years old
• Says less than 3 words at 18 months old
• Does not put words together to make sentences at 18 months – 2 years
• Words said are not easily understood by parents at 2 years old
• Has trouble playing or being social with other kids at 2 years old
• Struggles with early reading and writing skills at 3 years old

Speech Sound Disorder Warning Signs

• Makes errors or does not use p, b, m, h, w in words between 1-2 years old
• Makes errors or does not use k, g, f, t, d, and n in words between 2-3 years old
• Speech is unclear or difficult to understand, even to familiar people

Stuttering Warning Signs

• Repeats the first sound or syllable of a word (e.g. “b-b-b-bat”)
• Stretches out sounds (e.g. “mmmmmmom”)
• Pauses a lot while talking

Voice Disorder Warning Signs

• Voice is hoarse or breathy in the absence of illness
• Voice is nasal sounding
• Voice fluctuates in pitch

Adult Speech and Language Disorder Warning Signs

• Has trouble thinking of the correct word to say
• Uses words in the wrong order
• Pronounces words incorrectly
• Talks in short or broken sentences
• Talks about a subject without clearly communicating the idea
• Has difficulty understanding others
• Too slow or too fast rate of speech
• Slurred or mumbled speech