Language and communication
What should I do if I am concerned about a child's speech?
Direct answer
Record specific concerns and discuss them with the child's healthcare professional or a qualified speech-language professional. Note understanding, communication methods, languages used and everyday participation. A website or teacher training course cannot establish a diagnosis.
What this means in practice
Avoid waiting solely because a relative spoke late or because the child is multilingual. Professional assessment can consider language experience, hearing and other relevant factors. Continue supportive interaction while seeking advice, without repeatedly pressuring the child to perform.
Practical next steps
- Write concrete examples.
- Share the child's language history.
- Ask about an appropriate assessment.
Illustrative example
Note whether a child can communicate needs during play and meals, rather than recording only how many words they say on demand.
What to keep in mind
Loss of skills or marked communication concerns require prompt professional discussion.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Developmental milestones
- CDC: Developmental monitoring and screening
- ASHA: Learning more than one language
The sources inform the explanation. Practical examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.
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