Speech Development in Preterm Infants: When to Seek Evaluation

Baby talking?

Hello doctor, my son is a premature baby.
His actual age is 1 year and 5 months, and his corrected age is 1 year and 2 months.
He understands about 80% of what I say and can follow instructions.
He also pulls adults' hands to get what he wants, but he doesn't speak much; he only says "daddy" and "hug." The elders around me are saying that it's concerning he doesn't speak more at this age, which makes me a bit worried.
I would like to ask if I should seek a speech evaluation for him.

Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/03

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

In the development of pediatric neurology, for premature infants, corrected age should be considered (while others may think the infant is currently 1 year and 5 months old, the corrected age is 1 year and 2 months).
At this age, the child can say a few reduplicated words, which does not indicate a delay in language development.
It is certainly possible to guide and train language development at home.
Later, during the vaccination and pediatric health check-up, further consultation and evaluation with a pediatrician can be sought.

Reply Date: 2017/06/03

More Info

When it comes to the speech development of preterm infants, it's essential to consider their corrected age rather than their chronological age. In your case, your son is 1 year and 5 months old chronologically but 1 year and 2 months old when adjusted for his prematurity. At this corrected age, it is not uncommon for children to have limited verbal communication skills, especially if they are able to understand a significant amount of what is being said to them.

From the information you provided, your son seems to be demonstrating some key developmental milestones. He understands about 80% of what is communicated to him and can express his needs by pulling an adult's hand to get what he wants. These behaviors indicate that he is developing social and cognitive skills, which are crucial components of overall development. The fact that he can say a few words like "daddy" and "hug" is also a positive sign, as it shows he is beginning to use language to communicate.

It's important to remember that language development can vary significantly among children, especially those born prematurely. The typical milestones for speech and language development can be quite broad, and many children may take longer to start speaking than others. According to developmental guidelines, by the age of 1 year, many children may say one or two words, and by 2 years, they should be able to combine words into simple phrases. Given that your son is still within the range of typical development for his corrected age, he may not necessarily need a formal speech evaluation at this time.

However, if you have concerns about his speech development, it is always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and determine if any interventions are necessary. Early intervention can be beneficial, especially if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In addition to seeking professional advice, you can also support your son's language development at home. Engage him in conversations, read books together, and encourage him to express himself in any way he can. Singing songs, playing interactive games, and using simple language can also help stimulate his speech and language skills. The more exposure he has to language in a supportive environment, the more likely he is to develop his communication skills.

In summary, while your son's current speech development may not be concerning given his corrected age, it is always wise to keep an open line of communication with healthcare professionals. Regular check-ups and developmental screenings can help ensure that he is on the right track, and if any issues arise, they can be addressed promptly. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and with your support, he will continue to grow and thrive.

Similar Q&A

Addressing Speech Delays in Toddlers: When to Seek Help

Our child is already 2 years old this year, but he has noticeable pronunciation issues. We had a brain ultrasound done in October, and the doctor said there were no problems and that he would improve as he gets older, but we are still very worried. He only pronounces a few words ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Before the age of 3 to 4 years, the development of the articulatory organs in young children is not fully matured, and their language proficiency is insufficient, often resulting in inaccurate pronunciation. However, as they grow older, their language development becomes more ref...

Understanding Language Development Delays in Toddlers: When to Seek Help

Hello, Dr. Zhao! My son was born on March 20, 2021, and he is currently about two years and two months old. He started to pronounce single words around the age of two, such as "mom" and "dad," but there are still some sounds he cannot produce, like "grand...

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Yeh, Regarding your child's language development, it is influenced by the development of the brain, oral structures, and hearing. Therefore, you may want to have a pediatric neurologist evaluate your child. Our pediatric neurology clinic is open for consultations ...

Understanding Speech Development in Children with Hearing Impairment

Hello Dr. Chen, my little nephew just turned 3 years old (born on November 11, 2021). I wonder if it’s related to the fact that he has been primarily raised by me and my aunt (his great-grandmother, grandfather, and aunt are completely deaf, while his uncle and another aunt are h...

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics
The letter mentions concerns about a child's language development and potential future hearing issues. First, it is important to clarify the certainty of the diagnosis regarding hereditary hearing problems, especially since multiple family members have experienced hearing lo...

Concerns About Speech Development in an 11-Month-Old Child

Dear Dr. Huang, My child is 11 months old and aside from crying, I rarely hear him making cooing or babbling sounds. I have observed that he can hear sounds, as he turns his head to look when he hears something. Is this normal? His quietness makes me wonder if he might be mute. ...

Dr. Huang Yaofeng reply Pediatrics
Generally, an 11-month-old child should frequently make cooing and babbling sounds. If your child is making these sounds less often, it may indicate a potential speech development issue. It is advisable to take your child to our hospital's rehabilitation department for a spe...