As a parent, it's natural to wonder whether your child's speech and language development is on track. Every child develops at their own pace, but certain signs can indicate that a professional evaluation may be helpful.
Here are seven common indicators that your child might benefit from speech therapy.
1. Limited Babbling by 12 Months
By their first birthday, most babies are babbling with a variety of sounds like "ba-ba," "da-da," and "ma-ma." If your child is very quiet or only produces a limited range of sounds, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.
2. Few Words by 18 Months
Most children say at least a few words by 18 months. If your child has fewer than five words or isn't attempting to imitate words, early intervention can make a significant difference. Understanding speech and language milestones by age can help you gauge where your child stands.
3. Difficulty Being Understood by Age 3
By age three, familiar listeners (parents, siblings, caregivers) should understand about 75% of what your child says. Strangers should understand about 50%. If people frequently struggle to understand your child, a speech evaluation can help identify the issue.
4. Frustration When Communicating
Children who struggle to express themselves often show frustration through tantrums, hitting, biting, or withdrawing from social situations. If your child becomes visibly upset when trying to communicate, speech therapy can give them the tools to express their needs.
5. Not Combining Words by Age 2
By 24 months, most children begin putting two words together ("more milk," "daddy go," "big truck"). If your child is still using only single words or gestures at this age, a speech-language evaluation is recommended.
6. Stuttering That Persists
Some degree of disfluency (stuttering) is normal in young children as their language skills develop rapidly. However, if stuttering persists for more than six months, is accompanied by physical tension, or causes your child distress, it's time to consult an SLP.
7. Difficulty Following Directions
If your child has trouble understanding and following age-appropriate directions (for example, a two-year-old should follow simple one-step commands like "get your shoes"), there may be a receptive language concern that speech therapy can address.
What to Do Next
If you recognize any of these signs in your child, don't wait. Early intervention is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in speech and language development. The earlier a child receives support, the better their long-term communication skills tend to be.
A comprehensive speech-language evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) is the best first step. During the evaluation, the SLP will assess your child's speech sound production, language comprehension, expressive language, oral motor skills, and social communication. Learn more about our pediatric speech therapy services to see how we can help.
"I always tell parents: trust your instincts. You know your child best. If something feels off, it's always better to have it checked out. There is no downside to an evaluation." — Laura Friedman, MS, CCC-SLP, QOM
The Bottom Line
Every child's development is unique, and these signs don't necessarily mean there's a problem. But if you notice one or more of these patterns, a professional evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind — and if therapy is needed, getting started early gives your child the best chance to thrive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you recognize any of these signs in your child, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns with a certified speech-language pathologist and find out if therapy is right for your child.