Is It a Speech Delay or Is My Child Just Quiet?
Understanding Communication and Sensory Sensitivities
Your child seems to understand everything but speaks so little. Friends say 'they're just quiet' or 'they'll talk when they're ready.' But you're wondering if there's more to it—and whether the world is just too loud for them to find their voice.
Quiet by Choice or Struggling to Communicate?
Naturally Quiet Children
- Communicate needs through gestures and expressions
- Show understanding through actions and responses
- Speak more in comfortable, quiet environments
- Meet developmental milestones in their own time
Potential Speech Concerns
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Frustration when trying to communicate
- Not combining words by age 2
The Sensory Connection
Sometimes children aren't choosing to be quiet—they're overwhelmed by sensory input. When the world feels too loud, talking becomes another overwhelming task.
Children with sensory sensitivities may struggle to process language when they're overwhelmed by their environment. Creating calmer, quieter spaces can help them focus on communication.
Signs sensory overload may be affecting communication:
- • Child speaks more in quiet environments
- • Covers ears or seems distressed by noise
- • Better communication after sensory breaks
- • Uses gestures instead of words when overwhelmed
What to Track with indi
Tracking patterns can help you understand whether your child's quietness is temperament, sensory sensitivity, or a communication concern that needs support.
Communication Patterns
- • When does your child communicate most?
- • What environments help them speak?
- • How do they show understanding?
- • What motivates them to use words?
Sensory Responses
- • Reactions to noisy environments
- • Changes in quiet or calm spaces
- • Preferred activities and settings
- • Signs of sensory overload
With indi: "Emma said three new words today during quiet play time, but went completely silent when her cousins came over. She seems to communicate best in the morning before the day gets busy."
Supporting Your Child's Communication
Create Calm Communication Opportunities
Set aside quiet, one-on-one time for conversation. Turn off background noise and follow your child's lead in play.
Model and Expand Language
Narrate daily activities and expand on your child's attempts to communicate. If they point to juice, say "You want juice!"
Consider Professional Support
If concerns persist, a speech-language pathologist can help determine if there's a delay and provide strategies to support development.