The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Speech and Language Development in Children

Monitoring language development and early intervention for delays are important.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Speech and Language Development in Children?

Language development is the process of acquiring meaningful communication skills. It has two components: receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (speaking). Ages 0-3 are the critical period; brain plasticity is at its highest during this time.

Normal language development milestones: 6 months babbling, 12 months first word, 18-24 months 20-50 words + two-word sentences, 3 years three-word sentences, 4 years complex sentences. 20-25% deviation is normal.

Causes of language delay: hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, specific language disorder, bilingual environment, social deprivation. In diagnosis, audiology and speech-language therapist evaluation is critical.

Symptoms

No words by 12 months
Less than 10 words by 18 months
Not forming two-word sentences by 24 months
Not forming three-word sentences by 3 years
Not responding to name being called
Not understanding simple commands

Risk Factors

Hearing loss
Prematurity
Family history of language disorders
Autism spectrum disorder
Bilingual home environment (transient)
Low socioeconomic status

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If no sound production by 12 months
  • If no words at all by 18 months
  • If not forming two-word sentences by 24 months
  • If there is regression in language skills
  • When there are concerns about hearing or behavior

Treatment Methods

01
Hearing test (audiometry)
02
Speech-language therapist assessment
03
Individualized speech therapy
04
Autism screening (M-CHAT)
05
Family education and home stimulation
06
Special education and preschool support

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.