Speech & Language Delay
Targeted, child-led therapy that builds confident communication from the ground up.
91%
of children with pure language delay show significant gains within 3–6 months
16 mo
average age of our earliest speech intervention referrals
4x
faster progress when parents practice strategies daily at home
What is Speech Delay?
A speech and language delay means a child is not reaching typical communication milestones at the expected age. 'Speech' refers to the sounds, syllables, and words a child produces; 'language' refers to understanding and using words and sentences. These can be affected independently or together. Speech-language delays are among the most common developmental concerns in early childhood and respond very well to early intervention.
Signs to Watch For
- Not babbling by 9–12 months
- No first words by 16 months
- Fewer than 50 words by 24 months
- Not combining two words by 24 months
- Difficult to understand — strangers understand less than 50% by age 3
- Difficulty following simple instructions
- Preferring gestures over words
- Frustration when trying to communicate
How DCCD Helps
Our SLPs conduct a thorough evaluation of both receptive (understanding) and expressive (spoken) language, speech sounds, and oral motor function. Therapy is tailored to the child's unique profile and is always play-based and engaging. We place enormous emphasis on parent coaching so that therapy strategies are carried over in daily routines — mealtimes, bath time, play — where the most natural language learning happens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the first step?
Our intake assessment is free and gives our clinical team the information needed to build the right plan for your child.