When to Seek Speech Therapy for Your Child

As a parent, it's natural to keep a close eye on your child's development. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is a big deal. But what happens when your child doesn't hit those speech and language milestones as expected? While every child develops at their own pace, there are certain signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy.

In this blog, we'll explore when to seek speech therapy for your child, common speech and language concerns, and how early intervention can make a big difference.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy helps children improve their speech (how we say sounds and words) and language (how we understand and use words to communicate). A certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with children to improve communication skills, whether it's through articulation, language development, social skills, or even feeding and swallowing in some cases.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

1. Delayed Speech Development

• By 12 months: Not babbling or using gestures like pointing or waving

• By 18 months: Not saying at least a few single words

• By 24 months: Not combining two words (e.g., “more juice”)

• By 3 years: Hard to understand, even for familiar adults

2. Difficulty Being Understood

If your child’s speech is unclear and others consistently struggle to understand them beyond age 3, this could point to a speech sound disorder.

3. Limited Vocabulary for Their Age

Children typically learn words rapidly between ages 2 and 5. A noticeably limited vocabulary may indicate a language delay.

4. Trouble Following Directions

If your child has difficulty understanding or following simple instructions, this could signal a receptive language issue.

5. Stuttering or Repetition of Sounds

Frequent hesitations, repetitions, or prolonged sounds may indicate a fluency disorder, such as stuttering.

6. Social Communication Challenges

Difficulty with conversation skills, eye contact, or understanding social cues can be a sign of a pragmatic language disorder or even autism spectrum disorder.

7. Feeding or Swallowing Issues

Speech therapists also help with oral-motor issues, including challenges with chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue effectively.

What Causes Speech or Language Delays?

There isn’t always a clear cause, but possible contributing factors include:

• Hearing loss or ear infections

• Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism)

• Developmental delays or intellectual disabilities

• Physical conditions (e.g., cleft palate)

• Environmental factors (limited exposure to language)

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key. Children’s brains are most flexible and responsive to learning in the first few years of life. Addressing speech and language issues early can:

• Prevent academic and social difficulties

• Improve self-confidence

• Enhance overall communication and connection with others

Even if your child seems to be "just a little behind," an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist can provide reassurance or help guide the next steps.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

1. Talk to Your Pediatrician: Share your observations. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist if needed.

2. Get a Hearing Test: Hearing issues can significantly impact speech development.

3. Schedule a Speech Evaluation: A certified SLP will assess your child’s speech, language, and communication abilities.

4. Start Therapy if Recommended: Therapy sessions are tailored to your child’s needs and can include play-based learning, repetition, and parent coaching.

Final Thoughts

Every child is unique, and there's a wide range of what's considered "normal" in speech development. But if your gut tells you something isn’t quite right, don’t wait. Seeking help early—even just for an evaluation—can make a world of difference in your child’s ability to communicate confidently and clearly.

Need Guidance?

If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from speech therapy, consult with a licensed speech-language pathologist or your child’s pediatrician. Early support leads to lasting success.