As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child’s communication skills are developing as expected. Every child grows at their own pace—but sometimes, delays in speech or language can indicate the need for professional support.
If you’re asking yourself, “Does my child need speech therapy?” you’re not alone. Many families feel unsure about when to seek help. Here are 10 signs that may suggest it’s time to speak with a speech pathologist.
1. Your child isn’t using words by 18 months
By 18 months, most children should be using a few single words (like “mama,” “up,” or “ball”). If your child is mostly pointing, grunting, or using gestures without words, this may indicate a delay in expressive language development.
2. Limited vocabulary for their age
If your child isn’t learning new words regularly or is using significantly fewer words than peers, it may be worth checking in. For example, by age 2, children typically use 50 or more words and begin combining them into two-word phrases.
3. Difficulty understanding what you say
Receptive language (understanding others) is just as important as expressive language (speaking). If your child struggles to follow simple directions or doesn’t seem to understand basic concepts (like “get your shoes”), this may be a sign of a receptive language delay.
4. Trouble combining words into sentences
By age 3, most children are starting to speak in short sentences (e.g., “I want juice,” “Look at doggie”). If your child is still using mostly single words or their sentences are very hard to understand, this could be an area to support.
5. Unclear speech that’s hard for others to understand
Speech sound development varies, but by age 3, strangers should understand about 75% of what your child says. If only close family members can interpret your child’s speech, or they frequently leave out or substitute sounds, a speech assessment is recommended.
6. Stuttering or getting “stuck” on words
If your child often repeats sounds, syllables, or whole words (e.g., “I-I-I want that”) or shows visible effort when trying to speak, they may be experiencing a fluency disorder. Early intervention is very effective for children who stutter.
7. No interest in communicating or interacting
Children who show little interest in talking, playing, or responding to others may need support with social communication skills. This can be an early sign of broader developmental needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
8. Regression in speech or language skills
If your child was speaking and suddenly stops using words or phrases, this is a red flag. Regression in language should always be investigated by a health professional.
9. Difficulty with listening or following instructions
While this could be due to attention or hearing issues, it can also relate to language processing. Children who frequently don’t respond to their name, instructions, or questions may be struggling with language comprehension.
10. You’re worried
Trust your instincts. If you’re concerned about your child’s communication, even if others say “wait and see,” it’s always okay to seek a professional opinion. Early support can make a big difference.
What Next?
If any of these signs sound familiar, a speech and language assessment can help you better understand your child’s strengths and needs. At May’s Speech Therapy, we support children of all ages with communication challenges in a fun, engaging, and family-centred way.