Warning Signs of a Speech Problem

What are the warning signs that my child may need speech therapy?

There are differences in the age at which an individual child understands or uses specific language skills. The following list provides some of the common warning signs by age range.
Birth to 6 Months

Developmental or medical problems.
Lack of response to sound.
Lack of interest in speech.
Limited eye contact.
Feeding problems.
Very limited vocalizations.
Difficulties with attachment .
Lack of interest in socializing.

6-12 Months

Limited sound production, lack of variety or amount.
Groping movements when attempting to make or imitate sounds.
Oral-motor problems such as excessive drooling, trouble with solid foods, intolerance to touch in and around the mouth.
Lack of interest in sounds-making toys, radios, T.V., music, voices.
Developmental or medical problems.
Lack of response to sound.
Lack of interest in speech .
Limited eye contact.
Feeding problems.
Very limited vocalizations.
Difficulties with attachment.
Lack of interest in socializing.

12-18 Months

Easily distractible.
Does not understand any words or directions.
Limited sound production, lack of variety or amount.
Groping movements when attempting to make or imitate sounds.
Oral-motor problems such as excessive drooling, trouble with solid foods, intolerance to touch in and around the mouth.
Lack of interest in sounds-making toys, radios, T.V., music, voices.

18-24 Months

Not using words some of the time to communicate.
No interest in imitation.
Won't play games.
No jargon.
Grunting and pointing as primary means of communication.
Easily distractible.
Does not understand any words or directions.
Limited sound production, lack of variety or amount.
Groping movements when attempting to make or imitate sounds.
Oral-motor problems such as excessive drooling, trouble with solid foods, intolerance to touch in and around the mouth.
Lack of interest in sounds-making toys, radios, T.V., music, voices.

2-3 Year Olds

Not combining words.
Must be told and retold to carry out simple directions (not just non-compliance).
Using only nouns.
Poor eye contact.
No rapid increase in number of words understood and used.
Does not tolerate sitting for listening activity/looking at books, etc.

3-4 Year Olds

Not speaking in full sentences (not necessarily correct grammar, but nice variety of word types).
Not using “I” to refer to self.
Cannot relate experiences, even in simple telegraph sentences.