10 Signs Your Child Might Need a Speech, Language, or Hearing Evaluation
Ok, do you ever ask yourself, “Is my kid doing something different from other kids?” Well, all the time, right? Or am I the only one who does that?
When my children were small, I remember looking at them and asking the endless string of “What if…” questions. Even as a speech-language pathologist, it did not make things any easier trying to discern my child’s development from all the advice contained in parenting books, research, etc. At 17, my oldest even to this day, does everything in his own time, and has the most laid-back personality. With respect to developmental milestones, he was not officially delayed. Let’s just say, he took his own sweet time. On the other hand, my youngest is intense and can be a firecracker. If he sets his mind to something, he does it; he talked early, and he skipped from a crawl to basically a run. But, I was not quite sure about some of his social behaviors. Now, many years later, I see how it all came together for each of them and really speaks to their personalities. Sometimes, though, we can pick up on patterns that may indicate more attention is needed, and perhaps an evaluation by a skilled professional is warranted.
In the world of speech, language, and hearing, parents often pick up on communication differences earlier than other people because we are our children’s primary caregivers. Communication plays a huge role in your child’s learning, socializing, and self-expression; any delay in speech, language, or hearing can have long-term effects if not addressed early.
Is It Time for a Language, Hearing, or Speech Evaluation?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) emphasizes the importance of identifying the signs of communication disorders as early as possible. Here are 10 common signs that your child may benefit from a professional speech evaluation:
- Not Meeting Communication Milestones. If your child isn’t babbling by 6 months, saying their first word by 12 months, or combining two words by 2 years, they may be experiencing a delay in communication development.
- Limited or No Eye Contact. Observe your child while playing or engaging with both children and adults. Lack of eye contact or difficulty engaging with others during play or conversation can indicate challenges in both language and social communication.
- Speech Is Hard to Understand. By age 3, unfamiliar listeners should understand about 75% of what your child says. If your child’s speech is unclear or difficult to understand, it may signal a speech sound disorder.
- Not Responding to Sounds or Name. Watch how your child alerts to sounds around them. Do they turn their head? Engage in eye contact? Look at the object or person making the sound? If your child often doesn’t respond to their name, environmental sounds, or spoken language, a hearing screening may be necessary to rule out hearing loss.
- Frequent Ear Infections. Chronic ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss, which may lead to delayed speech and language development.
- Frustration or Tantrums When Trying to Communicate. Your child may act out when they can’t express themselves clearly. This frustration can be a key sign that they are struggling to communicate.
- Difficulty Following Directions. If your child frequently misunderstands or ignores age-appropriate instructions, it could be related to a receptive language disorder or hearing issues.
- Limited Vocabulary Compared to Peers. A significantly smaller vocabulary than other children their age may be a red flag for a language delay.
- Stuttering or Repeating Words. While some repetition is normal, frequent stuttering or tension when speaking may suggest a fluency disorder.
- Voice Sounds Unusual. If your child’s voice sounds consistently hoarse, nasal, or breathy, it could indicate a voice disorder. Referral to an ENT or SLP may be necessary.
What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait. There are many resources available in your community, and they can be accessed easily. Early evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist can lead to better outcomes.
You can:
Talk to your child’s pediatrician
Request a referral for a speech-language or hearing evaluation
Use a professional tool to locate a provider:
🔍 Find an Audiologist Near You
🔍 Find an SLP Near You
Here’s the bottom Line:
You are your child’s most powerful advocate! Trust your instincts and act early.
Final Thoughts
Noticing early signs of a communication delay can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. While MT & Associates does not provide speech evaluations, we believe in empowering families with the tools, knowledge, and access they need.
We proudly offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services and can connect you with trusted professionals for speech and language evaluations when needed because every child deserves communication access in any language.
Need help finding the right support? Visit mtapractice.com to learn more about our services or ask about referrals to licensed speech professionals.
Wanting to know more?
Check out the blogs for each indicator above
Resource: asha.org
