Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
A speech delay can go away on its own. Research suggests that many late talkers reach language skills within the normal range by kindergarten. However, some children continue to have language difficulties that would benefit from speech therapy. It can be hard to know early on which children will need extra support. A speech-language evaluation can help you understand your child’s communication skills and decide on next steps.
Key takeaways
Many late talkers catch up to the typical range by kindergarten, but some children continue to have language difficulties.
If a child’s speech is delayed, you can’t predict whether they’ll catch up on their own. An evaluation helps determine whether they may need extra support.
Certain signs may point to a greater need for speech therapy, including a child who uses few gestures, has a hard time understanding language, or has a family history of language difficulties.
There is no set timeline for catching up. Progress depends on the type of delay, the child’s development, and the support they receive.
Speech therapy can help children build communication skills through personalized strategies and support for caregivers to help their child at home.
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Start the screenerWhat is a speech delay?
A speech delay means a child is developing speech or language skills more slowly than expected for their age. Signs of a speech delay can include using fewer words than expected or having trouble putting words together. For a deeper look at milestones, causes, and when to seek support, see our guide on what to do if your 2- or 3-year-old isn’t talking.
Can a speech or language delay go away on its own?
A speech delay can go away on its own, and some children catch up to their peers without speech therapy. Research shows that most late talkers reach language scores in the average range by ages 5 to 7. However, some children continue to have language difficulties and may benefit from speech therapy. A speech evaluation can help determine what support your child needs.
Speech delays can happen for many reasons. Learn the most common causes, when to seek help, and how speech therapy can support your child.
Late talker vs. speech delay: Does catching up depend on the difference?
“Late talker” and “speech delay” are sometimes used to mean the same thing, but they are not exactly the same. “A late talker is a young child, often between 18 and 30 months, who uses fewer words than expected but has typical understanding and other areas of development,” explains Expressable speech therapist Alexis Irazoque, M.S., L/SLP. “Speech delay is a broader term that can describe different types of communication delays.”
Research suggests that many late talkers catch up by kindergarten. One study found that 74% of late talkers had language skills within the normal range at kindergarten entry. However, this doesn’t mean that every child with a speech delay will catch up without support. Children who have trouble understanding language, use few gestures, or have a family history of language difficulties may be more likely to need extra support.
An evaluation with a speech therapist can help you understand your child's strengths and areas of need. For more information, see our guide on how to tell if your child is a late talker.
Signs a child may benefit from a speech evaluation
Some children with speech or language delays catch up on their own, while others need extra support. Your child may be more likely to need speech therapy if they have these signs:
Few gestures: Your child does not often point, wave, or try to show you things.
Difficulty understanding language: Your child has trouble following simple directions or understanding familiar words.
Family history: A parent, sibling, or close relative had speech therapy or has a history of language difficulties or dyslexia.
Ongoing delays after age 3: Your child continues to have a hard time communicating compared with other children their age.
Regression: Your child loses words or communication skills they used before. Make sure to talk with your child's pediatrician if you notice a loss of skills!
Limited early speech: Your child is not babbling by around 12 months or has not used a first word by around 15 months.
“These signs don’t mean your child will have a lasting disorder or need long-term therapy,” Irazoque reassures parents. “They are simply reasons to learn more about your child's communication skills.”
How long does it take for a child with a speech delay to catch up?
There is no set timeline for a child to catch up from a speech or language delay. Some children make fast progress over several months, while others need support for a year or longer. Progress depends on factors such as the type and severity of the delay, the child's overall development, and when support begins.
For children who receive speech therapy, progress is usually tracked by looking at specific skills rather than a set number of months. Your speech therapist can help you set goals and monitor how your child is progressing over time. Caregiver involvement also gives children more chances to practice communication skills at home, during everyday routines.
The most important step is to understand why your child is having difficulty communicating and what support they need.
Learn how to keep your toddler or young child interested in speech therapy. When parents get involved, kids make more progress, more quickly.
Speech delays can affect kids socially and academically
What is the impact of a speech or language delay as a toddler grows older?
A recent study looked at more than 7,000 8-year-old children. These children had persistent speech disorder (PSD), which meant they still had trouble pronouncing certain speech sounds past the age at which children should have speech sound errors. The kids themselves, as well as their parents and teachers, answered questions to assess any symptoms of depression or behavior problems.
To follow up, the kids and families were given questionnaires and interviews again at ages 10, 11, and 12. The study found that 8-year-old children with a speech delay were more likely to have a hard time making friends when they were 10 and 11 years old.
The study found that 8-year-old children with a speech delay were more likely to have a hard time making friends a few years later.
Other research has looked at the effects of speech and language delays on school performance. The emotional effects of speech and language problems can become more pronounced once children enter school. Suddenly, they're surrounded by children their own age. They're interacting with kids who may be more advanced in their communication abilities. Children often notice these differences and become self-conscious about the way they talk.
School performance can often suffer as a result. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, children with communication problems are more likely to struggle with reading and writing skills.
The more children worry about their own self-image or being teased, the less time they spend focused on reading, writing, comprehension, and other academic skills. In addition, they may be less likely to participate in the classroom. Poor grades and lower confidence can contribute to this cycle of self-doubt if children don't get the support they need.
“Parents ask me all the time if their child will catch up on their own. The honest answer is that many children do, but we can’t always tell early on who will need extra support,” says Irazoque. “Getting an evaluation doesn’t mean your child needs therapy. It gives you a better understanding of their speech and language skills and helps you make an informed decision about next steps.”
Learn when speech therapy is needed for a speech delay and what to expect in your child’s speech delay treatment.
Speech therapy can help children with speech delay
Speech therapy provides personalized strategies to help children develop their communication skills. A speech therapist will assess your child's needs, then create a targeted treatment plan.
Online speech therapy offers support for families from the comfort of home, at a time that works for your schedule. You and your child attend sessions with a computer or tablet, using a video platform like Zoom. You're face-to-face with your speech therapist, just like you would be in a traditional in-person setting. They'll also teach you ways to practice at home, so your child can build their skills during everyday routines.
Concerned about your child's speech?
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Find a speech therapistTrust your instincts
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, listen to your gut. Reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a speech therapist for an evaluation. You can also take our free online screener to see if your child is on track with the milestones expected for their age. Early intervention can make a powerful difference, helping your child build the skills they need to communicate and connect with the world around them.
By understanding speech delays and knowing when to seek help, you can give your child the best possible start on their communication journey! Click here to get started.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Sometimes, yes. Research on late talkers (young children who use fewer words than expected but have typical development in other ways) shows that many reach language scores in the average range by kindergarten. However, some children continue to have language difficulties. A speech-language evaluation can help you understand your child's communication skills and whether more support may be helpful.
There is no set timeline for a child to catch up. Some children make progress over several months, while others continue to need support for a year or longer. Progress can depend on the type and severity of the delay, the child's overall development, and the support they receive. A speech therapist can help you track progress and adjust goals as your child develops.
You don't have to choose between hoping your child will catch up and getting help. Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child is not using words or phrases expected for their age, has a hard time understanding language, loses communication skills they had before, or continues to have communication concerns as they get older. A speech therapist can help you understand your child's needs and decide on next steps.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
