Speech Delay in Children

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Speech Delay

The stages of speech and language development are the same for all kids, but the age at which kids develop them can vary a lot.

It's important to know the signs of a speech and language delay, and to seek out an evaluation if any concerns exist. How do you know if there is a delay or if the signs you are seeing are alarming?

Signs fo a language disorder, as identified by the American Speech and Language Association, can include:

  • Does not smile or interact with others (birth and older)

  • Does not babble (4-7 months)

  • Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7-12 months)

  • Does not understand what others say (7 months-2 years)

  • Says only a few words (12-18 months)

  • Words are not easily understood (18 months-2 years)

  • Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5-3 years)

  • Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years)

  • Has trouble with early reading and writing skills* (2.5-3 years)

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Jody Vaynshtok

Jody is a California-licensed speech language pathologist with eight years of industry and clinical experience. She has worked with both adult and pediatric populations during her time at private practice, birth-to-three, and hospital facilities. She is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a variety of communication and cognitive disorders. In addition, Jody has a passion for working with adults looking to achieve clearer communication. Jody received her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences and MS in Medical Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She was a part of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford’s cleft and craniofacial clinic participating in the multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of children born with craniofacial abnormalities. She holds a staff position at UCSF and is the lead speech language pathologist for the department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s Hearing Loss Clinic. When she's not busy having fun with her clients Jody enjoys spending time with her husband, Anton, friends and family. And if she's not headed out somewhere fun for dinner, you might find her at Bar Method working out!