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Late talkers and early speech delay

Early signs of speech and language differences from babies to teenagers, including word-finding, language understanding, and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

10 min read

Last updated June 2026

Late Talkers and Early Speech Delay

Spotting communication differences early means children can get support sooner. Signs can appear at any age.

Early signs in babies and toddlers

  • Not babbling
  • Not responding to sounds or voices
  • Limited eye contact or shared attention
  • Not pointing or showing objects
  • Not using gestures
  • Not using words when expected
  • Losing words they previously used
  • Not copying sounds
  • Not enjoying interaction
  • Difficulty with feeding or swallowing
  • Limited response to their name
  • Frustration when unable to communicate

NHS Evelina London guidance says children should be referred by one year if they have eating or drinking difficulties, are not responding to noises or familiar voices, are not enjoying interaction, or are not babbling.

Signs in preschool children

  • Using fewer words than expected
  • Struggling to put words together
  • Unclear speech
  • Frustration when not understood
  • Relying on gestures more than words
  • Not understanding simple questions
  • Repeating phrases without understanding
  • Difficulty with pretend play

Signs in school-age children

  • Struggling to follow classroom instructions
  • Needing instructions repeated
  • Answering questions incorrectly because they misunderstood
  • Difficulty explaining ideas or storytelling
  • Short or immature sentences
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Misunderstanding jokes or sarcasm
  • Avoiding speaking in class
  • Difficulty asking for help

Signs in teenagers

  • Struggling to organise thoughts
  • Misunderstanding instructions
  • Avoiding speaking in groups
  • Difficulty explaining feelings
  • Taking things literally
  • Avoiding phone calls
  • Struggling with interviews
  • Using humour or silence to mask difficulties

Speech sound difficulties

A child may miss sounds out, swap one sound for another, or be hard for unfamiliar adults to understand. For example "tat" for "cat", "wabbit" for "rabbit". Some errors are typical at certain ages, but if speech is very unclear or causing frustration, get support.

Word-finding difficulties

The child knows the word but cannot retrieve it. They may pause, say "thingy", describe around it, or give up. Helpful phrase: "Take your time. I know the word is there."

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

DLD is a long-term difficulty with understanding and/or using language not explained by another condition. A child with DLD may seem bright in some areas but struggle greatly with language-heavy tasks. DLD is sometimes called a hidden difficulty — children may copy peers, smile and nod, or be quietly misunderstood as lazy or not listening.

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