“Why is my 3 year old only saying a few words?”
My daughter is 3 years old. She is only saying a few words. Should I take her to a doctor?
7 Answers
You should get a complete evaluation by a Speech Language Pathologist, particularly one who specializes in birth-3 or Early Childhood
As a licensed speech-language pathologist, I can provide some insights into why a 3-year-old may be saying only a few words. It's essential to remember that speech and language development can vary significantly among children, and some differences in development are entirely normal. However, if you have concerns about your child's language development, it's always a good idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist or a pediatrician for a comprehensive evaluation. Here are some potential reasons why a 3-year-old may have a limited vocabulary:
Variability in Development: Children develop language skills at different rates. Some children may be late talkers but catch up over time.
Hearing Impairment: Hearing problems can significantly impact language development. If a child has difficulty hearing sounds or words, it can hinder their ability to learn and imitate language.
Language Exposure: Limited exposure to rich language experiences at home or in their environment can delay language development. Children benefit from being surrounded by conversation, books, and exposure to a variety of words and experiences.
Speech or Language Disorders: Some children may have specific speech or language disorders, such as a phonological disorder or expressive language disorder, that require intervention.
Bilingualism: In bilingual households, children may initially have a smaller vocabulary in each language as they navigate learning two languages simultaneously. However, they typically catch up and may even become proficient in both languages.
Personality and Temperament: Some children are naturally more reserved or quiet by nature. Their temperament can affect how they communicate.
Parental Interaction: The way parents interact with their child can impact language development. Encouraging communication, engaging in conversations, and responding to a child's attempts to communicate are essential.
Developmental Delays or Disorders: In some cases, a limited vocabulary can be associated with developmental delays or disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, it's advisable to seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is crucial in addressing any potential issues and helping your child develop their communication skills. A speech-language pathologist can assess your child's specific needs and provide guidance on strategies and interventions to support their language development.
Variability in Development: Children develop language skills at different rates. Some children may be late talkers but catch up over time.
Hearing Impairment: Hearing problems can significantly impact language development. If a child has difficulty hearing sounds or words, it can hinder their ability to learn and imitate language.
Language Exposure: Limited exposure to rich language experiences at home or in their environment can delay language development. Children benefit from being surrounded by conversation, books, and exposure to a variety of words and experiences.
Speech or Language Disorders: Some children may have specific speech or language disorders, such as a phonological disorder or expressive language disorder, that require intervention.
Bilingualism: In bilingual households, children may initially have a smaller vocabulary in each language as they navigate learning two languages simultaneously. However, they typically catch up and may even become proficient in both languages.
Personality and Temperament: Some children are naturally more reserved or quiet by nature. Their temperament can affect how they communicate.
Parental Interaction: The way parents interact with their child can impact language development. Encouraging communication, engaging in conversations, and responding to a child's attempts to communicate are essential.
Developmental Delays or Disorders: In some cases, a limited vocabulary can be associated with developmental delays or disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, it's advisable to seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is crucial in addressing any potential issues and helping your child develop their communication skills. A speech-language pathologist can assess your child's specific needs and provide guidance on strategies and interventions to support their language development.
Hi,
I recommend seeing your pediatrician and requesting a referral for speech language therapy. You will find the typical language milestones expected for your child below.
3-Year-Old Language Milestones
When we look at 3-year-old language milestones, we are looking at how a child is using words and putting those words together to communicate with those around them. A lot goes into language skills. Here is a checklist of the 3-year-old language milestones:
Sentence Length:
A 3-year-old should be speaking in sentences that are, on average, about 3 words long. Some should be shorter and some should be a bit longer than 3 words as well. (Source: Rice et. al., 2010)
Grammatical Markers:
According to Brown in 1973, a 3-year-old should be beginning to use some grammatical markers, including the following:
- Present progressive “-ing” at the end of verbs (such as “running” and “jumping”)
- Prepositions “in” and “on”
- Plural “-s” (like socks)
- Irregular Past Tense Verbs (past tense verbs that don’t end in “-ed”, such as “fell” and “ran”)
- Possessive “’s” (like Mommy’s)
- Uncontractible Copula (the full form of the verb “to be” when it is the only verb in a sentence, such as “is it Alison?”, “yes it is”)
Pronouns:
Uses some pronouns (such as “I”, “it”, “me”, “my”, “mine”, “you”, “your”, “she”, “he”, “yours=”, and “we”) (source: Vollmer 2023)
Asking Questions:
Asks basic “who”, “what”, “where”, or “why” questions (like “where is Mommy”) (Source: CDC)
Vocabulary: A 3-year-old should have a word for almost everything (Source: ASHA) and should be able to use action words like “running” and “eating” to describe pictures when asked (Source CDC)
Following Directions:
A 3-year-old should be able to follow 2-part directions like “get the spoon and put it on the table”. (Source: ASHA)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Farah Aldridge
MySpeechology LLC.
702.720.1030
mysepeechologynv@gmail.com
I recommend seeing your pediatrician and requesting a referral for speech language therapy. You will find the typical language milestones expected for your child below.
3-Year-Old Language Milestones
When we look at 3-year-old language milestones, we are looking at how a child is using words and putting those words together to communicate with those around them. A lot goes into language skills. Here is a checklist of the 3-year-old language milestones:
Sentence Length:
A 3-year-old should be speaking in sentences that are, on average, about 3 words long. Some should be shorter and some should be a bit longer than 3 words as well. (Source: Rice et. al., 2010)
Grammatical Markers:
According to Brown in 1973, a 3-year-old should be beginning to use some grammatical markers, including the following:
- Present progressive “-ing” at the end of verbs (such as “running” and “jumping”)
- Prepositions “in” and “on”
- Plural “-s” (like socks)
- Irregular Past Tense Verbs (past tense verbs that don’t end in “-ed”, such as “fell” and “ran”)
- Possessive “’s” (like Mommy’s)
- Uncontractible Copula (the full form of the verb “to be” when it is the only verb in a sentence, such as “is it Alison?”, “yes it is”)
Pronouns:
Uses some pronouns (such as “I”, “it”, “me”, “my”, “mine”, “you”, “your”, “she”, “he”, “yours=”, and “we”) (source: Vollmer 2023)
Asking Questions:
Asks basic “who”, “what”, “where”, or “why” questions (like “where is Mommy”) (Source: CDC)
Vocabulary: A 3-year-old should have a word for almost everything (Source: ASHA) and should be able to use action words like “running” and “eating” to describe pictures when asked (Source CDC)
Following Directions:
A 3-year-old should be able to follow 2-part directions like “get the spoon and put it on the table”. (Source: ASHA)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Farah Aldridge
MySpeechology LLC.
702.720.1030
mysepeechologynv@gmail.com
It would be a good idea to seek out a speech therapist. Most private practice speech therapist do not need a Dr. referral but medical facilities will require a referral.
Definitely seek a speech/language evaluation for her. Your insurance should cover it, but you also can get a free evaluation through your public school district now that she is three (and she doesn't need to be going to school yet to be evaluated). You can talk to your doctor for a referral.
Hi yes, I would mention to your PCP that you have concerns involving your child's speech output. Some children experience delays in their speech/language and getting intervention the sooner, the better!
Yes. By age 3, your child should have at least 200 words that she uses and understands. She should be making small sentences of 2-4 words. I would also recommend having a speech and language evaluation which can be done through your local school system and/or a private practice Speech-Langauge Pathologist.
