Speech and communication

Write down specific examples.

• The child uses fewer sounds, gestures, words, or combinations than you expected.
• The child seems to have difficulty understanding everyday words or simple directions.
• Communication is hard for familiar people to understand or causes frequent frustration.
• Back-and-forth interaction, pointing, showing, or sharing attention feels different.
• A communication skill the child previously used has reduced or disappeared.

One moment is rarely the whole picture.

Notice whether the pattern appears across home, play, school, and interactions with different people. Language exposure, temperament, familiarity, fatigue, and the communication environment can affect what you see.

Milestones are useful observation points, not a diagnosis. Avoid comparing one child with another as the only evidence.

Begin with a qualified child-health professional.

• Share your examples and any relevant developmental or medical history.
• Ask whether a developmental review or validated screening is appropriate.
• Ask whether hearing should be assessed.
• A referral may involve a speech-language professional, audiologist, developmental specialist, or another qualified professional depending on the concern.

Bring useful observations, not a self-diagnosis.

• What the child currently communicates and understands.
• When you first noticed the concern.
• Whether the pattern is consistent or happens in specific situations.
• Languages used regularly around the child.
• Any loss of previously used skills.
• Questions you want answered before you leave.