Kids’ Speech and Talking Skills Explained

What are Speech Production Skills?

Speech production skills refer to the ability to articulate sounds in words clearly and accurately. These skills are essential for effective communication, allowing us to express our thoughts, needs, and emotions. For example, when a child says “mama” or “dada” distinctly, it signifies the proper development of their speech production abilities.

What are Expressive Language Skills?

Expressive language skills are about the words you know and how you use them to make sentences. It includes:

• Vocabulary: The words you know and use.
• Syntax: How you put words together in a sentence.
• Morphology: Using word endings and forms correctly, like adding “ing” to “run” to make “running.”

How Do They Work Together

• With good expressive language skills, you can use many words and make clear sentences. This helps you say words and sounds more clearly.
• If your expressive language skills are behind (meaning you’re a bit slower in learning words and producing simpler sentences), it might also be harder to say words clearly

Chronological Age vs. Linguistic Age

• Chronological Age: Your chronological age is based on your birthday. For example, if you were born 3 years ago, your chronological age is 3 years.
• Linguistic Age: How you use words and grammar compared to other kids. If you’re 3 but talk like a 2-year-old, your linguistic age is 2 years.

Examples to Help Understand

Example 1: 12 Months Old

• Chronological Age: 12 months
• Typical Skills: A 12-month-old can usually say 2-6 words and make simple sounds like “b,” “d,” and “m.”
• If Behind: If a 12-month-old has the language skills of a 9-month-old, they might not say any words yet and mostly make sounds and gestures.

Example 2: 18 Months Old

• Chronological Age: 18 months
• Typical Skills: Usually, an 18-month-old knows about 50 words and starts making simple sentences like “want cookie.”
• If Behind: If an 18-month-old talks like a 15-month-old, they might only produce 10-15 words and not combine words yet.

Example 3: 24 Months Old

• Chronological Age: 24 months
• Typical Skills: Usually, a 24-month-old knows 200-300 words and can make simple sentences.
• If Behind: If a 24-month-old talks like a 20-month-old, they might know only 100 words and use short phrases.

Why this Matters

When we check how well a child can say words and sounds, we need to consider their chronological and linguistic ages. This helps us better understand their development and see if they need extra help with their speech or language skills.

So, if a child’s talking skills are behind for their age, it’s important to remember that their speech sounds might be behind, too. This way, we can give them the right support to catch up!