Melbourne researchers have developed a new tool to help identify children at risk of serious speech disorders, aiming to reduce unnecessary therapy for common speech errors that many youngsters grow out of.

For many young children, mispronouncing words is part of growing up, but new research has determined what’s normal and what’s a red flag.

“With all the changes with devices for our children and changing environment, people have been worried about speech sound development,” said Professor Angela Morgan from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: New tool to identify kids at risk of speech disorders.

They tested more than 1200 children nationwide, finding speech errors are common up to age six, but by age seven, 90 per cent of children could form all speech sounds.

“The children have been a little slower to acquire their speech, but there aren’t worrying patterns. They’re not more disordered children,” Morgan said.

With limited data available, some children have been missing out on critical early intervention, while others are being overtreated or on therapy waitlists for issues that resolve on their own.

The tool will be launched soon to help GPs and parents understand the risk. Credit: 7NEWS

An online tool soon to be launched will help GPs and parents make the right call.

For example, if a child says “lellow” for yellow, “teef” for teeth, or “wainbow” for rainbow, it’s of no concern.

But if they say “karangoo” for kangaroo, “ar” for star, or “bord” for bird, then it should be investigated.

Experts say about one in 20 preschool children has a serious speech issue and should begin therapy before primary school to improve language development.

Like nine-year-old Isla, who has a rare disorder that affects mouth muscle movements.

“She’s come a long way with the intense speech therapy and when there’s not too much pressure, she’s more confident,” her mum Sheree Poulton said.