Understanding Speech and Language Development:

What to Look and Listen for and When to Seek Support

As parents and caregivers, we all want the best for our children. Watching them grow and develop new skills is exciting, but what happens when you become concerned about reaching developmental milestones? Speech and language development are critical parts of a child’s overall growth and recognizing when communication support could help can make a significant difference in your child's communication skills and development. 

Let’s explore the signs of speech and language delays, when to seek professional help, and how early intervention through Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services can support your child. 

What’s the Difference Between Speech and Language?

Before diving into speech and language development, it’s important to understand the distinction between speech and language. 

  • Speech refers to the production of sounds and words. It includes areas such as articulation (how sounds are made), voice (the quality of sound produced), and fluency (the rhythm of speech). 

  • Language is about understanding and expressing ideas and feelings through words, sentences, stories, and gestures. It encompasses both receptive language (understanding what others say) and expressive language (communicating thoughts and ideas). 

Children may experience challenges in one or both of these areas, which is why it's important to pay close attention to their speech and language development

These are some of the signs of speech and language delays to monitor at different ages. Every child develops at their own pace, but if you notice consistent challenges, consulting a professional could be helpful. The following list of speech and language developmental milestones is no exhaustive but shares some important areas to listen and look for: 

By 12 Months

  • Speech: Lack of babbling, or producing only a few sounds like “mama” or “dada.” 

  • Language: No response to their name, not using gestures (like pointing or waving), or difficulty understanding simple instructions. 

By 18 Months

  • Speech: Difficulty making a variety of sounds, putting sounds together, or imitating sounds. 

  • Language: Not saying many words (fewer than 20), or struggling to understand simple requests like “Come here.” 

By 24 Months

  • Speech: Unclear speech or difficulty pronouncing common sounds. 

  • Language: Unable to put together two-word phrases (like “more milk”) or difficulty following basic two-step directions. 

By 3 Years

  • Speech: Speech that is difficult for strangers to understand, frequent sound substitutions (like “tat” for “cat”), or leaving off sounds in words. 

  • Language: Limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty forming simple sentences, or challenges understanding “who,” “what,” and “where” questions. 

By 4 Years

  • Speech: Persistent difficulty with certain sounds, such as “k,” “g,” “f,” or “s.” 

  • Language: Trouble telling simple stories, difficulty using correct grammar, or problems following more complex directions.

Common Areas of Speech and Language Challenges

At Flourish, we believe early intervention can be a game-changer for children with speech and language delays. Research shows that the earlier a child receives support, the better their long-term outcomes in communication, social interactions, and even academic performance. 

Children’s brains are incredibly adaptable, especially in the early years of life. This is why speech-language therapy can be highly effective when started early, as it helps build the foundational skills needed for communication. Our team at Flourish Health Services is dedicated to supporting children and families through this process, creating treatment plans tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. 

Why Early Intervention is Key

Benefits of Early Intervention

Improved communication skills and understanding 

  • Better social interactions with peers 

  • Reduced frustration from not being able to express needs and feelings 

  • Enhanced readiness for school 

  • Boosted self-esteem and confidence 

When To Seek Help

If your child is showing any of the signs mentioned earlier, or if you have concerns about their speech or language development, it's important to seek help sooner rather than later. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, a Speech-Language Pathologist  can evaluate your child and guide you through the next steps. 

Additional Reasons to Seek Help from an S-LP 

  • Regression: If your child has lost language or speech skills they once had. 

  • Frustration: If your child becomes easily frustrated when trying to communicate. 

  • Behavioural changes: If speech and language difficulties are affecting their behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or acting out. 

How a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help

 At Flourish Health Services, we are thrilled to have Sean Peacocke, an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist, on our team. Sean provides personalized therapy sessions designed to meet each child’s unique needs, using evidence-based methods to foster development and communication success. We believe parents are key partners in this journey, and we will work closely with you to ensure every step reflects the best interests of your child. You are the expert on your child, and your insights are invaluable in creating a supportive, effective plan for growth. 

After a comprehensive assessment, you’ll receive a clear summary of findings along with personalized recommendations. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan with specific goals and actionable next steps to support your child’s development. At Flourish, we’re committed to guiding you and your child every step of the way. 

Ready to Get Started?

We have speech therapy appointments available to book now! To schedule a consultation with Sean Peacocke, please visit flourishhealthservices.ca, or get in touch via email at admin@flourishhealthservices.ca. You can also call us at (416) 694-3456 for more information. 

Let us help your child flourish!