Pediatric Speech Therapy for Delayed Language Skills
in San Diego, CA
Compassionate Support for Children with Delayed Communication Skills
You may have heard from family or friends that your child will speak when they are “ready.” And while it is true that every child develops at their own pace, significant delays in speech and language can be a sign that your child needs extra support. The good news is that our expert speech therapists at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy can help your child build the communication skills they need to thrive.
What Is a Language Delay?
A language delay happens when a child can articulate clearly, but they struggle to understand or use words to express themselves. Some children may experience both a speech and a language delay.
For example, a child with a speech delay may know what they want to say but they struggle to pronounce the words clearly. A child with a language delay may pronounce words just fine but have trouble putting them together into sentences or following directions.
Common Symptoms of Delayed Language Skills
Your child may have a language delay if they:
- Don’t babble or use gestures like pointing by 12 months
- Use fewer words than expected for their age
- Have trouble combining words into simple phrases or sentences
- Struggle to follow directions or answer simple questions
- Get frustrated when trying to communicate
- Are harder to understand compared to other children their age
- Often leave words out of a sentence
What Causes Speech and Language Delays?
There are many possible reasons why a child may have delayed speech or language development. Common causes include hearing impairments, developmental disorders, prematurity, or a history of frequent ear infections. Some children may also have delays with no clear underlying cause.
Whatever the reason, early intervention is key. Children who receive speech therapy early are more likely to catch up to their peers and develop stronger communication skills that will help them succeed in all areas of life.
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Can Help with Speech and Language Delays
We take a play-based, individualized approach to supporting children with speech and language delays. We encourage children to use new words in motivating and fun ways, such as by playing games and doing physical activities. Our goal is to gradually expand your child’s ability to communicate their ideas and understand others.
We also work closely with families to ensure you have the strategies and tools to help your child practice their communication skills at home. Together, we can support your child’s speech and language development so they can enjoy learning, making friends, and achieving their goals as they grow.
Why Choose SmallTalk?
When it comes to your child’s communication, you want the very best, and so do we! We help children throughout San Diego achieve their greatest potential.
Our speech-language pathologists are highly trained, passionate, and experienced in working with a wide range of diagnoses and ages. They’re also warm, playful, and great at connecting with kids.
We make therapy fun, family-centered, and goal-driven. From your very first phone call to each session after, you’ll feel supported and heard. We collaborate closely with parents and provide practical strategies you can use at home to help your child keep progressing beyond the therapy room.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation Today
If your child has a speech or language delay, early support can make a huge difference. Our experts at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy are here to help your child build the skills they need to succeed at home, in school, and beyond.
Call us at (619) 647-6157 today to schedule an evaluation for pediatric speech therapy.