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