Which sign indicates a potential speech or language problem in a child?

Which sign indicates a potential speech or language problem in a child?

• A. No speech by age two.
• B. Speaks in full sentences by two.
• C. Always understands everything said.
• D. Never stutters.

Answer: (A)

In young children, missing key language milestones is a major red flag. By about 24 months, most kids have some spoken words and start putting two words together, like “more juice” or “mommy go.” If a child has no speech at all by age two, it suggests a potential speech or language delay or disorder and should be evaluated by a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. Early assessment can lead to earlier intervention, which helps improve outcomes and can rule out hearing issues or other causes. The other signs aren’t as indicative of a problem. Speaking in full sentences by age two is a typical milestone and generally a sign of expected progress. Believing a child always understands everything said isn’t realistic for this age; comprehension develops gradually and can vary. Not stuttering at all isn’t itself a measure of normal development, since mild stuttering can occur in early speech and isn’t necessarily problematic.

In young children, missing key language milestones is a major red flag. By about 24 months, most kids have some spoken words and start putting two words together, like “more juice” or “mommy go.” If a child has no speech at all by age two, it suggests a potential speech or language delay or disorder and should be evaluated by a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. Early assessment can lead to earlier intervention, which helps improve outcomes and can rule out hearing issues or other causes.

The other signs aren’t as indicative of a problem. Speaking in full sentences by age two is a typical milestone and generally a sign of expected progress. Believing a child always understands everything said isn’t realistic for this age; comprehension develops gradually and can vary. Not stuttering at all isn’t itself a measure of normal development, since mild stuttering can occur in early speech and isn’t necessarily problematic.