Speech is what you say and how you say it. Language is giving and getting information through what is said, heard, written, and used in body language. For kids who are delayed (slowed) in their speech and language skills, a speech therapist (also called a speech and language pathologist, or SLP) can help.

Recognizing and treating speech and language delays early is the best way to help your child. With time and speech therapy, many kids go on to have normal speech and language skills.

Follow your care teams recommendations for: 

• seeing a speech therapist
• whether your child needs to see any other medical specialists
• follow-up visits

Parents and caregivers are an important part of helping kids develop speech and language. Be sure to:

• Talk and sing with your child every day. You can name foods at the grocery store, point out animals, talk about objects around the house, and explain what you're doing as you cook a meal or clean a room. Keep things simple but avoid "baby talk." Encourage your child to make the sounds, say words, and sing with you.
• Read to your child. If your child is a baby, look for age-appropriate soft or board books or picture books. Point to pictures and name them, then encourage your child to try to name them too.
• Follow the speech therapist's instructions. The exercises your speech therapist gives you to practice at home are an important part of helping your child's speech and language develop. Be sure you understand any instructions and do the exercises as instructed.

You have:

• trouble finding a speech therapist
• any questions about your child's development

What is the difference between speech and language delays? Speech and language problems differ, but often overlap. A child with a speech delay might use words and phrases in the right way but be hard to understand. A child with a language delay might say words well but not be able to put them together as expected for their age.

What causes speech or language delays? Kids can have a speech or language delay for many reasons, such as: 

• hearing problems 
• cognitive (thinking) or other developmental delays
• weak mouth muscles 
• voice problems
• cleft lip or cleft palate
• feeding or swallowing disorders