What is the most common reason for speech delay? [Answer from SLP]
- Sanya Modi
- Mar 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28, 2025
Speech delay is also known as 'alalia'. The term is used when a child isn't acquiring speech and language as per the expected age milestones. It is one of the most common developmental delays in children.
While speech may be delayed, many children still reach other milestones like walking or playing on time.
Understanding the signs, causes, and early actions can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.
What Is Speech Delay?
Speech delay refers to a lag in the ability to produce spoken language compared to age norms. While some children are naturally “late talkers,” others may have deeper challenges that require professional attention.
A few common causes of speech delay are:
Hearing Loss
Children learn to speak by hearing. If the child can't hear you, how will he develop speech? Speech delay is quite common in long term ear infections, like chronic otitis media.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability accounts for about 50% of cases of speech delay in children. In this case, the child can present with global delay in cognition, language, comprehension and use of gestures, based on the severity of intellectual disability.
Developmental language delay
It is due to delayed or slower brain maturation related to language areas. If only language is affected (and not overall cognition), it’s called a language disorder.
Psychosocial deprivation
The immediate environment around the child is very important for the development of speech. The quality of early care given is an important contributor to the language development. The child who is facing abuse or neglect often lags behind in the development of speech. Limited interaction, or lack of stimulation can severely delay speech development. Language thrives on connection and engagement.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children with autism may have challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication and reduced social interaction.
Speech Delay Vs Autism Developmental anomalies
Congenital malformations like cleft lip, cleft palate, short frenulum, and weak palatopharyngeal muscles.
Timely evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist like a speech therapist can be very helpful for the child to overcome speech delay.
Can Speech Delay Be Outgrown?
Yes — some children are simply “late bloomers” and catch up with minimal support. However, many children benefit significantly from early speech therapy.
Prognosis depends on the cause. If the delay is due to hearing loss or environmental factors, progress can be rapid. Neurological or developmental causes may need longer-term support.
How Is Speech Delay Diagnosed?
1. Hearing Evaluation
Before anything else, hearing should be tested. Even mild hearing loss can lead to delayed or unclear speech.
2. Speech-Language Assessment
A licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) will:
Observe the child’s speech, gestures, and interactions
Review developmental and medical history
Compare speech/language milestones to age norms
Use formal tests like PLS-5, REEL, or CDI to assess expressive and receptive language
3. Other Developmental Screenings
Speech therapists may refer to pediatricians, audiologists, or neurologists if broader developmental concerns are observed.
Addressing Speech Delay: What Parents Can Do
If you suspect your child has a speech delay, there’s a lot you can do to help them progress. With early action, the right support, and a nurturing environment, many children show remarkable improvement in their communication skills. Here's how you can start:
1. Prioritize Hearing and Medical Checks
Hearing is essential for learning how to speak, so even mild hearing loss—like that caused by frequent ear infections—can delay speech. Schedule a hearing test with an audiologist and speak to your pediatrician about ruling out any medical issues that might be affecting your child’s ability to communicate.
2. Get Early Intervention
Don’t “wait and watch” beyond 18–24 months. If your child is not meeting speech milestones—like using words by 18 months or combining words by age 2—it's best to consult a speech-language pathologist. Early therapy not only helps children learn to speak more clearly and confidently, but it also prevents frustration, behavior issues, and learning difficulties down the line. The earlier therapy begins, the easier it often is to close the gap.
3. Enrich the Home Environment
Your home plays a powerful role in supporting your child’s speech development. Simple, consistent actions can create a language-rich environment that encourages communication:
Talk to your child during daily routines
Read books together every day
Avoid excessive screen time
Respond to all attempts to communicate, verbal or not
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is speech delay different from language delay?
Speech delay is about trouble producing sounds/words whereas Language delay is about understanding and using language (spoken or otherwise).
Can hearing loss cause speech delay?
Yes. If a child cannot hear clearly, they may struggle to imitate and learn sounds.
What role do environmental factors play?
Limited interaction, neglect, or screen overuse can delay speech development. Children need rich, responsive communication to build language skills.
Is speech delay always a sign of intellectual disability?
No. Many children with speech delay have average or above-average intelligence. A full developmental evaluation can help clarify.
How can parents support speech development at home?
Parents can support their child’s speech development by talking, singing, and reading with them every day, even if the child isn’t speaking yet. Engaging in simple interactive games like peek-a-boo encourages back-and-forth communication. Using and encouraging gestures—like pointing or waving—helps build early language skills. It's also helpful to clearly label everyday objects and actions as you interact with your child, such as saying “apple” while handing them a fruit. Most importantly, celebrate and respond to all your child’s communication attempts, whether it’s a sound, gesture, or word.
When should I seek professional help for speech delay?
You should consult a speech-language pathologist if your child is not babbling by 12 months, has not spoken any words by 18 months, or is not using two-word phrases by age 2. It's also important to seek help if your child shows limited eye contact, social engagement, or does not respond to their name consistently. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and ensure timely support.
Will my child outgrow speech delay naturally?
While some children who are "late talkers" may eventually catch up on their own, many children with speech delay benefit greatly from early intervention. It can be difficult to predict which children will outgrow the delay without support and which ones may face ongoing challenges if left unaddressed. That’s why it’s important not to take a “wait and see” approach for too long.
Speech and language skills develop most rapidly in the first few years of life, and this window of opportunity is crucial. With the help of a qualified speech-language pathologist, children can build strong communication skills early on.
Get Support From Sounderic
At Sounderic, our expert speech-language therapists offer online speech therapy for children with communication delays, autism, and more. We assess each child individually and create fun, personalized therapy sessions from the comfort of your home.
📞 Book a consultation:👉 https://www.sounderic.com/service-page/speech-language-consultation-for-kids
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