Leanne Sherred, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech delays can happen for many reasons. Common causes of speech delay include hearing loss, developmental speech and language disorders, oral-motor challenges, autism spectrum disorder, neurological conditions, and not being exposed to enough language. Some children catch up on their own, while others benefit from early speech therapy. Understanding the possible cause is the first step toward getting your child the right support.
Key takeaways
Speech delays can happen for many reasons, including hearing loss, developmental speech and language disorders, oral-motor challenges, autism, limited language exposure, and certain neurological conditions.
A speech delay is not the same as a speech disorder. A delay means speech skills are developing more slowly than expected. A speech disorder affects how speech or language develops.
Loving, attentive parents do not cause speech delays. While severe neglect can affect development, everyday parenting is not the cause of a speech delay.
Early evaluation helps identify the cause of a speech delay and gives your child the best opportunity to learn to communicate.
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Start the screenerCommon causes of speech delays
If you’re worried about your child's speech development, it’s helpful to understand some of the reasons delays can happen. Here are 6 common causes of speech delays:
1 Oral impairment
Some children have speech delays due to oral-motor problems. “These occur when the brain has difficulty coordinating the movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw needed for speech,” explains Expressable speech therapist Alexis Irazoque, M.S., L/SLP. Children with oral-motor issues might also struggle with feeding or drooling.
2 Developmental speech and language disorder
Speech and language disorders can affect how a child processes and uses language. They may have trouble forming speech sounds, understanding what others are saying, or using words to communicate. Sometimes, these issues are linked to learning disabilities, making early detection especially important.
Everything parents need to know about expressive language disorder: from spotting the signs to getting support.
3 Hearing loss
Children learn to speak by listening to the people around them. If a child has hearing loss or hears sounds as muffled or unclear, it can make it harder to learn speech and language. Irazoque points out that hearing loss isn't always obvious. For example, a child may not respond to their name but still react if you gesture with your hand for them to come to you.
Ear infections and speech delay
Frequent ear infections can affect a child's hearing. Infections can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, making speech harder to hear clearly for weeks or even months at a time. A 2023 study in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that children with a history of early ear infections performed worse than other children on both hearing and language tests. The researchers concluded that repeated ear infections during the first 3 years of life may increase the risk of speech and language delays.
If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, it's important to have it checked as early as possible. A hearing test can identify hearing loss or rule it out as a possible cause of a speech delay.
4 Autism spectrum disorder
Many children with speech delays do not have autism. However, speech and language challenges can be an early sign of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
While a speech delay alone does not mean a child has autism, autistic children often show differences in social communication along with delayed speech. For example, they may make less eye contact, or respond less often to their name. They may not point to share their interest in something, or they may not be interested in interacting with other people. They may also have repetitive behaviors. For a closer look at the similarities and differences, read our guide on speech delay vs. autism.
Speech delay and autism can look similar. Learn how to spot the signs, understand key differences, and find the right support for your child.
5 Lack of stimulation
Children learn language through interaction with other people. If a child doesn't hear enough spoken language, doesn't have a lot of chances to interact with people, or experiences extreme neglect, their speech might fall behind. Reading, singing, and talking to your child throughout the day can make a big difference.
Some parents worry that they caused their child's speech delay. It's important to know that in nearly all cases, loving, attentive parents do not cause speech delays. For a deeper look at this common concern, see our guide on "Did I cause my child's speech delay?”
6 Neurological problems
Conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or a traumatic brain injury can affect the muscles needed for speech. In these cases, children often benefit from a team of specialists, including a speech-language pathologist (also known as a speech therapist), to help them learn to communicate.
"The most important thing I tell parents is that a speech delay rarely has a single cause. It usually sits at the crossroads of a child's biology, their environment, and their language exposure," Irazoque says. "That's actually good news. It means there are always several ways we can help them make progress!"
When to seek speech therapy for a speech delay
If you're concerned about your child's speech or language development, trust your instincts. Talk with your child's pediatrician or contact a speech therapist for an evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference, and getting support sooner can help your child build communication skills and confidence.
For age-specific guidance on when to seek support (from 3 months through 4 years old), read our guide on when to get speech therapy for a speech delay.
How speech therapy supports your child (and you)
Speech therapy for young children is often play-based. Play is a natural way for kids to learn, and therapists use toys, games, and activities to encourage speech and language development.
Therapy can happen in-person or online. Online speech therapy makes it easier for caregivers to attend alongside their child and learn how to help them at home. Your speech therapist will teach you how to practice speech skills with your child during everyday routines like meals or playtime.
Your child's communication skills grow not only during therapy sessions, but also through the everyday moments you share together. Speech therapists give parents the tools, strategies, and encouragement to support their child's communication growth every step of the way.
If you're concerned about your child's speech skills, click here to find a speech therapist. We're here to answer your questions and guide you on next steps. The earlier you seek help, the sooner your child can build the skills they need to communicate with the world around them.
By understanding the potential causes of speech delays and recognizing the signs, you're already advocating for your child's success! Every child deserves the chance to express themselves. With the right support, they can grow into confident, capable communicators.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Speech delays can happen for many reasons, including hearing loss, developmental speech and language disorders, oral-motor challenges, autism, limited language exposure, and certain neurological conditions. In some children, there's more than one cause. In others, no single cause for a speech delay is identified.
No. Loving, attentive caregivers do not cause speech delays. See our full guide on "Did I cause my child's speech delay?” for more about this common concern.
If you're concerned about your child's speech or language development, don't wait to ask for help. There is no minimum age for a speech and language evaluation. Even babies can be evaluated if there are concerns. In general, it's a good idea to seek an evaluation if your child isn't using words by 15 months, isn't combining two words by 24 months, or is hard for others to understand by age 3. Early support can make a meaningful difference in helping your child learn to communicate.
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.
