Speech delays
Caution: Sleuth is not a substitute for professional advice, and may contain inaccurate information.
Are you a parent? Explore and track children’s health with our free app.
Signs and Symptoms of Speech delays
Overview
Parents’ descriptions of Speech delays on Sleuth fit into four topic areas:
Alternate Communication
Defined by these five signs and behaviors: Pointing instead of talking, Prefers hand gestures instead of talking, Making noises rather than using words, Not mimicking or imitating sounds, and Non-verbal (not able to use words).
Difficulty Communicating
Defined by these five signs and behaviors: Frustration with difficulty communicating, Unclear speech or communication, Incorrect pronunciation or articulation, Difficulty with self-expression or communicating needs, and Shyness.
Limited Vocabulary
Defined by these two signs and behaviors: Speaking no words at 18 months old and Limited vocabulary at 2 years old.
Outburts and Mumbling
Defined by these three signs and behaviors: Tantrums or meltdowns, Frequent crying, and Mumbling.
All Signs & Symptoms of Speech delays
Here are the top symptoms or behaviors listed by parents of kids diagnosed with Speech delays:
| Symptom | Frequency | Number of mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Not talking | Often | 30 mentions |
| Making noises rather than using words | Often | 8 mentions |
| Frustration with difficulty communicating | Often | 7 mentions |
| Delayed speech or language development | Often | 6 mentions |
| Trouble forming words | Often | 6 mentions |
| Difficulty with self-expression or communicating needs | Sometimes | 5 mentions |
| Mumbling | Sometimes | 5 mentions |
| Not talking until 3 years old | Sometimes | 5 mentions |
| Stuttering | Sometimes | 5 mentions |
| Unclear speech or communication | Sometimes | 5 mentions |
When do symptoms start?
How to read this chart
Change in symptoms of Speech delays*
What happens to common Speech delays symptoms over time?
| Symptom | Worse | A Little Worse | Stayed About the Same | A Little Better | Better | Completely Resolved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not talking | 0% | 0% | 11.5% | 23.1% | 42.3% | 23.1% |
| Making noises rather than using words | 0% | 0% | 12.5% | 25% | 37.5% | 25% |
| Frustration with difficulty communicating | 0% | 0% | 0% | 28.6% | 42.9% | 28.6% |
| Delayed speech or language development | 0% | 16.7% | 33.3% | 33.3% | 16.7% | 0% |
| Trouble forming words | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 83.3% | 16.7% |
| Difficulty with self-expression or communicating needs | 0% | 0% | 0% | 40% | 40% | 20% |
| Mumbling | 0% | 0% | 0% | 60% | 20% | 20% |
| Not talking until 3 years old | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 60% | 40% |
| Stuttering | 0% | 20% | 20% | 0% | 40% | 20% |
| Unclear speech or communication | 0% | 0% | 0% | 20% | 40% | 40% |
Conditions with similar symptoms to Speech delays
Parents also mention the behaviors, signs, and symptoms associated with Speech delays when they describe these conditions:
Autism
Symptom Frequency Number of mentions Not making eye contact Often 70 mentions Delayed speech or language development Often 52 mentions Non-verbal (not able to use words) Often 52 mentions Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) Often 43 mentions Repetitive movement or behavior Sometimes 38 mentions Not talking Sometimes 37 mentions Limited (or lack of) social skills Sometimes 27 mentions Developmental delays (behind on expected milestones) Sometimes 23 mentions Lack of social skills Sometimes 20 mentions Rocking body back and forth Sometimes 19 mentions Anxiety
Symptom Frequency Number of mentions Nervousness Often 49 mentions Panic attacks Often 42 mentions Unusual fears or phobias Often 31 mentions Shyness or social anxiety Often 26 mentions Frequent crying Sometimes 25 mentions Angry behavior Sometimes 16 mentions Separation anxiety Sometimes 15 mentions Constant worry Sometimes 14 mentions Anxiety in social situations Sometimes 11 mentions Fidgeting Sometimes 11 mentions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Symptom Frequency Number of mentions Hyperactivity Often 114 mentions Angry behavior Often 37 mentions Difficulty paying attention Sometimes 26 mentions Fidgeting Sometimes 26 mentions Impulsiveness Sometimes 25 mentions Short attention span Sometimes 23 mentions Forgetfulness Sometimes 21 mentions Difficulty focusing or concentrating Sometimes 20 mentions Talkativeness Sometimes 20 mentions Difficulty focusing in school Sometimes 18 mentions