Speech Regression in Children: What It Is and How You Can Help

Very few experiences are as exciting for parents as hearing their child say their first clear words. But what happens when a child suddenly seems to lose speech skills that they once had? If you have noticed that your child is talking less than before or even seeming like they have lost words that they once had, you are not alone. What you are noticing may be what we refer to as a speech regression. 

What is a Speech Regression

A speech regression is when a child loses previously acquired speech or language abilities. It may happen to a toddler who is combining a few words. They may stop completely or revert to one word at a time. It may occur with a preschooler who was consistently using short phrases. They may stop speaking altogether or speak with fewer words than they used to. Speech regressions can be gradual or more severe cases where speech is stopped completely. 

Unlike typical development progress, where skills steadily increase, regression reflects a loss of those communication skills that were already present. This is different than a speech delay.

Speech delay vs regression

Some people use the terms “speech delay” and “speech regression” interchangeably; however, they are not the same. 

Speech delay means that a child is developing language more slowly than is typical for their age. For example, a child who's 2.5 and only using a handful of words may have a speech delay. (Check out our blog post Language Development Milestones: How Speech Therapy Can Help to read more about age-appropriate speech milestones for kids)

Speech regression means that a child who once had age-appropriate language skills has lost them. For example, a toddler who’s consistently used several words or simple sentences for months, then stops using them. 

How Common are Speech and Language Challenges?

Speech regression is less commonly noted in studies; however, speech and language difficulties in children overall are pretty common. 

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH), about 7.2% of children in the United States between the ages of 3-17 have a voice, speech, or language disorder, with the highest prevalence (10.8%) in children between 3-6. Between the ages of 3 and 6, language and communication development are usually rampant. 

Other research estimates that between 5% and 12% of children ages 2 to 5 have speech or language delays, and up to half of them continue to experience challenges into later childhood without intervention. 

These statistics reinforce that while not every child will experience a speech regression, speech and language issues are common enough that awareness, understanding, and support can make a real difference. 

Signs of Speech Regression in Toddlers

Recognizing toddler speech regression can be subtle, but these signs are worth paying attention to:

• A decrease in spoken words that were previously used
• Loss of two-word phrases or sentences
• Reduced eye contact or social communication
• Less interest in pointing, gesturing, or initiating communication 
• Difficulty understanding or responding to simple questions that they once could

If your child seems to be communicating less than before and not just at a slower pace, that's when a regression, not delay, may be happening. 

Speech regression causes

There is no simple cause of speech regression. Instead, it can result from a variety of developmental, medication, social, and neurological factors. Some of the most studied cases are:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Speech regression is a documented initial symptom of someone diagnosed with ASD. Studies show that about 20-30% of children with ASD experience regression in language skills between approximately 15 and 30 months of age. 

Hearing Difficulties - Problems that affect how clearly a child hears speech can appear like a speech regression because the child is not receiving clear auditory input. For example, a child with fluid buildup from frequent ear infections. Correcting the hearing difficulty often leads to improved speech. 

Neurological Conditions - Certain developmental and neurological conditions, such as Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, can cause acquired loss of language skills. These conditions often involve seizures or abnormal electrical activity in areas of the brain responsible for language. 

Trauma or Stress - Significant stress, routine disruptions, or emotional challenges, like starting daycare or the arrival of a new sibling, can sometimes lead to a temporary regression of speech for a child. This type of child speech regression is often short-lived as the child learns to get used to the change.  

Is Speech Regression Ever Normal?

Brief fluctuations in speech can be a normal part of development, especially as children focus on mastering many new skills regularly. However, genuine loss of previously used words or phrases is never considered typical. If regression persists after a couple of weeks  or is accompanied by other developmental changes, consult your pediatrician as well as a speech-language pathologist. 

Speech Therapy for Speech Regression

If your child shows signs of speech regression, it's a good idea to Book An Appointment with Great Speech for a speech evaluation. The first call is FREE; however, we work with many insurance providers, and clients with insurance pay an average of $18 per session. 

During the evaluation, the speech therapist will:

• Discuss your concerns and get an understanding of the child's skills prior to the regression. 
• Assess expressive (spoken) and receptive (understood) language
• Look at social communication and play skills
• Develop a plan to rebuild the lost skills, plus more

Early intervention has been repeatedly shown to give the best results for people of all ages, and toddlers and children with speech regression are no exception to that. 

If you’re noticing regression or want peace of mind about your child’s speech development, Great Speech is here to partner with you every step of the way. Schedule your introductory call today.