National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: Supporting Communication from the Start

Each May, we recognize National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, an annual awareness campaign devoted to raising public understanding of communication and hearing disorders and how to support the children and families affected by them. Organized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this month is about more than awareness. It’s about early identification, intervention, and advocating for the simple truth: all children, no matter their needs or differences, deserve to communicate effectively and be heard.

How Common Are These Disorders?

You may not realize how many families are touched by speech, language, and hearing challenges:

• According to CDC data, roughly 1 in 12 children aged 3–17 has a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing.

• Hearing loss affects about 2 to 3 of every 1,000 children born in the U.S., and many more acquire hearing issues early in life due to illness, genetics, or injury.

• Language delays are among the most common developmental issues in early childhood—and often appear before other learning differences become noticeable.

These difficulties can affect a child’s ability to express themselves, follow directions, learn in school, or connect socially with peers. And because communication is foundational to everything from emotional regulation to academic success, early detection and support are absolutely crucial.

What Does Early Intervention Look Like?

The earlier a child receives support, the better their outcomes in speech, language, and social-emotional development.

Early intervention might include:

• Speech and language therapy to support articulation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and fluency.

• Audiology services to evaluate and manage hearing concerns, including fitting hearing aids or cochlear implants when needed.

• Feeding and swallowing therapy, especially for infants and toddlers with motor challenges or developmental delays.

• Parent coaching, helping families turn everyday moments (mealtime, story time, play) into language-building opportunities.

Early services are often available through:

• State-funded early intervention programs (birth to age 3)

• Speech pathologists in public schools or clinics

• Pediatricians and developmental specialists who refer after screenings

Experts recommend seeking evaluation if by age 2 your child isn’t combining two words, or if by age 3 they are difficult to understand most of the time. Trust your instincts—if you’re concerned, start the conversation early.

How to Support Communication at Home

Whether or not your child is currently in speech therapy, small changes at home can have a big impact:

1. Model Clear, Slow Speech

Use clear, intentional speech with lots of eye contact and expressive gestures. Pause between sentences to give your child time to process and respond.

2. Use Repetition and Expand

If your child says, “Dog run,” expand it to, “Yes, the dog is running fast!” This helps them hear new grammar and vocabulary modeled naturally.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of yes/no questions, try: “What did you do at the park?” or “How did that feel?” This encourages children to explain and describe.

4. Limit Screen Time and Boost Conversation

Interactive talk during playtime or meals supports language far more effectively than passive screen watching. Narrate what you’re doing, ask questions, and encourage back-and-forth dialogue.

5. Use Visual Supports

Many children benefit from pictures, signs, or gestures paired with spoken words—especially if they are non-verbal or need extra processing time.

6. Incorporate Music and Books

Songs, rhymes, and books build vocabulary, rhythm, and memory. Look for books with repetition and interaction, and read daily at your child’s pace.

Creating Inclusive Environments

It’s important to remember that speech and hearing challenges don’t mean a child isn’t intelligent or capable. Communication looks different for everyone—and some children might use sign language, AAC devices (augmentative and alternative communication), or a combination of methods. By modeling acceptance, patience, and curiosity, we help other children understand that different doesn’t mean less.

When to Seek Help

If you notice:

• Delayed babbling or first words

• Difficulty understanding instructions

• Frustration when trying to communicate

• Hoarse voice, stuttering, or unclear speech

• Hearing concerns or frequent ear infections

…trust your gut and talk to your child’s doctor or request an evaluation. The earlier you act, the more support your child will receive when it matters most.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month reminds us that the ability to connect and be understood is not a luxury—it’s a vital part of what it means to be human. With awareness, early action, and support at home and in school, every child can find their voice—whether they speak it, sign it, or express it in a way that’s uniquely their own.