How Do I Communicate?

Language Development, Speech Delays & Early Communication

(Birth–5 Years)

THE BIG QUESTION

Is my child simply developing language at their own pace, or is there something about the way they understand, express, or use communication that tells us they need additional support? What is the child doing with the language they have?

Key Takeaways:

• Language begins long before words. Babies are absorbing language from their environment through voices, facial expressions, gestures, routines, sounds, and interactions.

• The absorbent mind matters. Everyday interactions are opportunities for language development.

• Receptive and expressive language are different. Strong receptive language can exist alongside delayed expressive language, and the reverse can also occur.

• Spoken language is only one part of communication. Pointing, gestures, facial expressions, sounds, signs, bringing an object to someone, seeking help, and other intentional behaviors can all communicate meaning.

• Don't measure language only by word count. Having many words doesn't automatically mean a child is using language functionally, and having fewer spoken words doesn't automatically tell us how much a child understands.

• Function matters. Ask: What is the child doing with the language they have? Are they requesting, protesting, asking for help, sharing an experience, answering, commenting, connecting, and communicating with others?

• A full sentence isn't necessarily the most important milestone. Catherine's story illustrates how powerful it can be when a child spontaneously uses language to share an observation rather than simply respond to a prompt.

• Speech and language are not the same thing. We need to identify which part of communication is creating the difficulty.

• Apraxia belongs in this conversation. A child may have something they want to communicate but have difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.

• Behavior can sometimes be telling us something about communication. When a young child doesn't have an effective way to communicate, frustration may show up through challenging behavior.

• Development is not a checklist or a race. We look at the overall pattern and progression of skills.

• A delay does not automatically mean a disorder. Some children develop language later and continue to progress, while others have ongoing language, speech, motor-speech, or social-communication needs.

• You don't need a diagnosis to support a child. If a child is having difficulty communicating, we can support communication while the family is seeking answers and appropriate evaluation.

• Concern is enough to start asking questions. Parents don't have to be able to name the problem before seeking guidance.

• Most importantly: support the child in front of you. Don't focus only on the child you expected, the child next door, or a milestone chart. Look at the actual child—their strengths, their communication, their development, and what they are telling you.

Our Developmental Language Milestones Resource

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