As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child isn’t meeting milestones like talking or expressing themselves clearly. You may be asking yourself, “Is my child’s speech delay normal? Should I be concerned?” This guide is written especially for parents in Singapore who are wondering what to do if their toddler or child isn’t developing speech and language skills as expected.
What Is a Speech Delay?
A speech delay means a child is not developing speech and language skills at the typical rate for their age. It can involve difficulties with:
- Speaking clearly or forming words
- Using age-appropriate vocabulary
- Following directions or answering questions
- Putting words together into sentences
Some children might understand everything you say but struggle to speak. Others may have trouble both understanding and using language.
Typical Speech Milestones
Here are some general speech and language milestones to watch for:
At Age 2:
- Uses 50 or more words
- Combines two-word phrases like “more milk”
- Understands simple instructions (“Come here”)
At Age 3:
- Has a vocabulary of 200+ words
- Uses 3-word sentences
- Speech is understood by familiar adults
Ages 4 to 5:
- Tells stories or describes events
- Answers “who,” “what,” and “where” questions
- Speech is understood by most people
Ages 6 to 10:
- Uses complex sentences and grammar
- Can hold conversations and explain ideas clearly
- Understands jokes, idioms, and wordplay
If your child is significantly behind these milestones, it might be a sign of a speech delay or language disorder.
Common Causes of Speech Delay
Several factors can contribute to speech delays in children:
- Hearing problems (ear infections or hearing loss)
- Oral-motor issues (difficulty using mouth muscles)
- Developmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD)
- Bilingual environments (temporary delays while learning two languages)
- Lack of exposure to speech or interaction
Speech delay does not mean a child isn’t intelligent, many children with speech delays have average or above-average intelligence.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Consider consulting a speech therapist if your child:
- Isn’t using words by 18 months
- Can’t follow simple instructions by age 2
- Is hard to understand at age 3 or older
- Struggles to express thoughts or feelings
- Shows frustration when trying to communicate
Early intervention can make a big difference. The earlier a child receives support, the better the outcome.
What to Do If You’re Worried
If you’re based in Singapore and have concerns about your child’s speech development, here are some next steps:
- Observe and Take Notes: Track what your child can say and understand. Share this with your therapist or doctor.
- Get a Hearing Test: Rule out hearing loss as a cause.
- Schedule a Speech and Language Assessment: A qualified speech therapist can evaluate your child’s communication skills.
- Start Early Intervention: If needed, therapy sessions can help your child catch up.
How Speech Therapy in Singapore Can Help
In Singapore, many therapy centres offer speech-language therapy tailored to children. A therapist can:
- Identify specific speech or language challenges
- Develop a personalised treatment plan
- Use play-based and engaging methods to build skills
- Support parents with home strategies
Look for clinics that specialise in working with young children and offer early intervention programs.
Encouraging Speech at Home
You can support your child’s communication growth by:
- Talking often and clearly with your child
- Reading picture books together
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes
- Encouraging your child to make choices (“Do you want apple or banana?”)
- Praising communication efforts, not just correct speech
Every child develops at their own pace, but if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it’s okay to ask for help. Speech therapy can open the door to clearer communication and stronger confidence.
If you’re looking for trusted speech therapy services in Singapore, early assessment and support can go a long way.
Remember: It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being understood.
