Warning Signs

In order to help parents determine if their child has a speech, language or hearing disorder, the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) has created a list of identifying factors. 

Signs of a Language Disorder

• Doesn't smile or interact with others (birth–3 months)
• Doesn't babble (4–7 months)
• Makes few sounds (7–12 months)
• Does not use gestures (e.g., waving, pointing) (7–12 months)
• Doesn't understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
• Says only a few words (12–18 months)
• Doesn't put words together to make sentences (1½–3 years)
• Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2–3 years)
• Has problems with early reading and writing skills—for example, may not show an interest in books or drawing (2½–3 years) 

Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder

• Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)
• Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

Signs of Stuttering (Disfluency)

• Struggles to say sounds or words (2½–3 years)
• Repeats first sounds of words—"b-b-b-ball" for "ball" (2½–3 years)
• Pauses a lot while talking (2½–3 years)
• Stretches sounds out—"f-f-f-f-farm" for "farm" (2½–3 years)

Signs of a Voice Disorder

• Uses a hoarse or breathy voice
• Uses a nasal-sounding voice

Signs of a Hearing Loss

• Shows lack of attention to sounds (birth–1 year)
• Doesn't respond when you call his/her name (7 months–1 year)
• Doesn't follow simple directions (1–2 years)
• Shows delays in speech and language development (birth–3 years)

(http://www.asha.org)