Signs & Symptoms

There may be a variation in speech and language development of each individual child. Below you will find general information that may help to determine if a speech and/or language evaluation is needed. You may call us for additional guidance should additional questions arise.

  • If your child is communicating by the age of 2

After the age of 3

  • Is not using 2-3 word sentences

  • leaves off the beginning of sounds

  • Repeats what others are saying instead of responding

  • Has difficulty following directions presented orally without pointing and multiple repetitions needed to complete tasks.

After the age of 4

  • By age 4 your child should be able to say earlier developing sounds /p,b,t,d,k,g,h,w,n,m/

  • Is not using 4-5 word sentences

  • deleting the ending of words

  • Is not able to answer WH (who, what, where, when) questions.

By the age of 5

  • If your child is not using complete sentences which includes leaving out and mixing up words.

  • Has difficulty answering basic questions after listening to a short story.

  • Has difficulty following basic multi-step directions

  • Has difficulty answering how questions

  • Is still having difficulty with producing clear speech to an unfamiliar listener

Fluency which is also known as stuttering

  • Repetitions occur in sounds, syllables, words, & phrases

  • Stretches out sounds

  • Trembling of muscles around the mouth during talking

  • Is fearful and avoids using certain words; pauses frequently substituting words that are easier to say.

Difficulty with academics

  • Reading comprehension

  • Understanding mathematics concepts

  • Using complete sentences while writing

  • Understanding and using new vocabulary

  • Decoding unfamiliar words

  • Spelling difficulties

  • Poor grammar skills

Difficulty with social communication

  • Responding to greetings

  • Making eye contact

  • Initiating conversation

  • Poor attention

  • Repetitive behaviors

  • Limited conversation exchange or exchange of sound within younger children

  • Non-verbal communicators

  • No interest in social interaction

  • Difficulty interpreting non-verbal communication

Difficulty with eating and swallowing

  • actively refuse foods

  • display disruptive mealtime behaviors

  • eat a limited variety of foods

  • gag, cough or vomit when eating

  • gain weight slowly or have trouble gaining weight

  • have trouble chewing, swallowing food and/or transitioning to foods of different textures

  • mostly take a bottle when sleeping

  • need tube feedings for nutrition

  • Drooling

  • Choking often while eating

  • Often coughing or gagging when swallowing

  • Recurrent heartburn

  • Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, or behind the breastbone

  • Regurgitation - bringing food back

  • Inability to control saliva in the mouth

This checklist is to only serve as a guide not a means for diagnosing. Services may vary in location, please contact us for additional information.