Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy — By Age

Every Child Is Different — But Milestones Matter

As parents, we naturally compare our children to other kids. And while every child has their own developmental timeline, speech and language milestones exist for a reason: they help us identify when a child might benefit from support.

The key word is might. A missed milestone doesn't mean something is wrong — but it does mean it's worth looking into. The earlier we identify and address speech-language challenges, the better the outcomes.

Age-by-Age Communication Guide

6–12 Months

What you should see:

• Babbling with different sounds ("ba-ba," "da-da," "ma-ma")
• Responding to their name
• Looking at you when you talk
• Using gestures like reaching, waving, or pointing

Watch for:

• No babbling by 9 months
• Doesn't respond to their name
• No gestures by 12 months
• Very quiet — doesn't make many sounds

12–18 Months

What you should see:

• First real words (even if only you understand them)
• Understanding simple phrases ("Where's your cup?")
• Pointing to things they want or find interesting
• At least 5–10 words by 18 months

Watch for:

• No words by 15 months
• Doesn't point to show you things
• Doesn't seem to understand simple instructions
• Loss of words they previously used

18–24 Months

What you should see:

• Word explosion — vocabulary growing weekly
• Starting to put 2 words together ("more milk," "daddy go")
• At least 50 words by 24 months
• Following simple 2-step directions

Watch for:

• Fewer than 20 words by 18 months
• Not combining words by 24 months
• Relying mostly on gestures instead of words
• Frequent frustration or tantrums around communication

2–3 Years

What you should see:

• 2–3 word sentences growing into 3–4 word sentences
• Strangers can understand about 50–75% of speech
• Asking "what" and "where" questions
• Following 2-step directions ("Get your shoes and bring them here")

Watch for:

• Speech that only family members can understand
• Not using sentences
• Difficulty following simple directions
• Stuttering or struggling to get words out
• Avoiding talking or social situations

3–5 Years

What you should see:

• Telling simple stories
• Using 4–5 word sentences
• Strangers understand most (75–100%) of what they say
• Answering "who," "what," "where," and "why" questions
• Using grammar mostly correctly

Watch for:

• Hard to understand, even for familiar listeners
• Doesn't carry on conversations
• Can't retell a simple story
• Frustrated or avoids speaking
• Not making friends due to communication difficulties

Beyond Words: Other Signs to Watch

Speech therapy isn't just about talking. A speech-language pathologist can also help with:

• Feeding and swallowing difficulties — gagging, refusing textures, picky eating beyond normal
• Social communication — difficulty reading social cues, taking turns in conversation
• Literacy foundations — trouble with rhyming, letter sounds, early reading skills
• Voice concerns — hoarseness, speaking too loudly or softly
• Fluency — stuttering or cluttering

What to Do If You're Concerned

Step 1: Trust your instincts. Research shows that parents are usually right when they sense something is off. You don't need to wait for someone else to bring it up.

Step 2: Get a screening. At WellCare & Nurture, screenings are free and no-obligation. We'll observe your child, talk with you about what you're seeing, and give you a clear, honest recommendation.

Step 3: Don't wait. The brain is most adaptable in the early years. If therapy is needed, starting sooner means faster progress and better long-term outcomes.

A Screening Isn't a Diagnosis

Many parents hesitate because they think a screening means committing to therapy. It doesn't. A screening simply gives you information — and information is always empowering.

Sometimes the answer is, "Your child is developing beautifully. Keep doing what you're doing." And that peace of mind is worth the visit.

• 🌱 Try our Little Leaps Milestone Checker for a quick at-home check
• 📋 Learn about our speech therapy program or schedule a free screening
• 📞 Questions? Call (719) 598-5555

---

Milestone ranges in this article are based on guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the CDC's developmental milestone framework.