A speech and language delay is when a child isn’t developing speech and language at an expected rate. It’s a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children. Living in a bilingual home also may affect a child’s language and speech. The child’s brain has to work harder to interpret and use 2 languages. So it may take longer for these children to start using one or both languages they’re learning. It’s not unusual for a bilingual child to use one language for a while. Your doctor can help you recognize a speech and language delay. He or she will ask you what you have heard and can listen to your child’s speech and check your child’s mental development. Your doctor may refer you to other specialists to determine why your child isn’t speaking. For example, if your doctor thinks your child may have trouble hearing, he or she may refer your child to an audiologist for a hearing test. This is a licensed health care professional who treats hearing problems.
