Speech Errors: What’s Developmentally Typical—and What’s a Red Flag

Parents often ask, “Is this normal… or should I be concerned?”
When it comes to speech sound development, that question is incredibly common—and important.

Children don’t learn all speech sounds at once. Some errors are expected at certain ages, while others may signal that extra support would be helpful. This guide breaks down what’s typical, what’s worth watching, and when it’s time to request an evaluation.



Speech Errors That Are Often Developmentally Typical

Some speech patterns are common as children learn to talk, especially in the toddler and early preschool years. These may include:

• Simplifying long or complex words
• Leaving off final sounds (“ca” for cat) in younger toddlers
• Substituting easier sounds for harder ones (like “w” for “r”)
• Saying sounds correctly sometimes, but not consistently

These patterns usually improve as a child’s motor planning, awareness of sounds, and coordination mature.

When Typical Errors Should Start to Fade

As children grow, speech clarity should steadily improve. By preschool age, many early patterns naturally disappear. When they don’t, it’s worth taking a closer look—especially if:

• Errors remain the same year after year
• Your child is becoming harder to understand compared to peers
• Speech breakdowns lead to frustration or avoidance

Speech development is not about perfection—but it should move forward.

Speech Errors That May Be Red Flags

Some patterns are less likely to resolve without support and may indicate a speech sound disorder. These can include:

• Speech that is difficult for both familiar and unfamiliar listeners to understand
• Frequent sound omissions beyond early toddlerhood
• Distorted sounds (especially lisps or unclear productions)
• Inconsistent errors that change from word to word
• Difficulty being understood at school or socially

If speech errors are interfering with communication, confidence, or learning, that’s a meaningful signal.

The Connection Between Speech and Literacy

Speech sound development plays a role in reading and spelling. Children who struggle to clearly hear and produce sounds may later have difficulty:

• Sounding out words
• Spelling accurately
• Understanding phonics patterns

Addressing speech sound concerns early can help support stronger literacy foundations later on.

Why Comparing to Peers Can Be Helpful

Every child develops at their own pace—but looking at peers can provide helpful context. If most children the same age are clearly understood and your child consistently is not, it may be time to seek more information.

An Evaluation Brings Clarity

A speech sound evaluation can:

• Identify which errors are developmentally expected
• Determine which patterns may benefit from support
• Provide individualized strategies for home
• Help families decide next steps with confidence

Evaluations are not about labeling—they’re about understanding.

The Bottom Line

Speech errors are a normal part of learning to talk—but persistent or impactful errors shouldn’t be ignored. When speech isn’t becoming clearer over time, early support can make a meaningful difference.

👉 If you’re unsure whether your child’s speech errors are typical or worth addressing, an evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Trust your instincts and take the next step toward confident communication.