5 Signs Your Child May Benefit from Speech Therapy
Understanding the difference between normal development variations and signs that warrant professional evaluation.
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. When something feels "off" about their communication, it's natural to wonder whether it's just a phase or something that needs attention. The truth is, children develop at different rates—but there are certain signs that suggest a professional evaluation could be beneficial. Here are five key indicators that your child may benefit from speech therapy.
Your Child Is Difficult to Understand
While it's normal for toddlers to have some unclear speech, there are general guidelines for how understandable (intelligible) a child should be:
- By age 2: Familiar listeners should understand about 50% of speech
- By age 3: Familiar listeners should understand about 75% of speech
- By age 4: Most people, including strangers, should understand most speech
If your child is significantly below these benchmarks, or if they're frequently frustrated by not being understood, an evaluation for articulation therapy may be helpful.
Limited Vocabulary for Their Age
Vocabulary development follows predictable patterns. Here's what to expect:
- 12 months: First words appear (mama, dada, uh-oh)
- 18 months: Around 20 words
- 2 years: 200-300 words, beginning to combine 2 words
- 3 years: 1,000+ words, using 3-4 word sentences
If your child has significantly fewer words than expected, or isn't combining words by age 2, consider a language therapy evaluation.
Difficulty Following Directions
Understanding language (receptive language) is just as important as speaking it. Watch for these milestones:
- 12-18 months: Follows simple commands like "give me the ball"
- 2 years: Follows 2-step directions like "get your shoes and bring them here"
- 3 years: Follows more complex directions with 2-3 steps
- 4-5 years: Understands most of what's said at home and school
If your child consistently struggles to follow age-appropriate directions (beyond typical toddler defiance!), it may indicate a receptive language delay that speech therapy can address.
Frustration or Behavior Changes Related to Communication
When children can't express themselves effectively, they often show it in other ways:
- Frequent tantrums or meltdowns when trying to communicate
- Withdrawing from social situations or avoiding talking
- Pointing and grunting instead of using words
- Getting angry when not understood
- Seeming "shy" or unwilling to speak in new situations
These behaviors can sometimes be dismissed as personality traits, but they may actually signal communication difficulties. Speech therapy can give your child the tools they need to express themselves more effectively.
Stuttering or Unusual Speech Patterns
Some disfluency is normal in young children (ages 2-5) as their brains work faster than their mouths can keep up. However, consult a speech therapist if you notice:
- Stuttering that lasts more than 6 months
- Visible tension or struggle when speaking
- Avoidance of speaking situations
- Sound prolongations ("Mmmmommy") or blocks (getting stuck)
- Physical movements accompanying stuttering (eye blinks, head jerks)
Early intervention for stuttering is particularly effective. Don't "wait and see" if stuttering is causing your child distress.
Normal Variation vs. Concern
It's important to understand that children develop at different rates, and there's a wide range of "normal." Here are some guidelines for distinguishing between typical variation and potential concerns:
Probably Normal Variation
- ✓ Slightly behind but making steady progress
- ✓ Understands more than they say
- ✓ Communicates effectively (even if not perfectly)
- ✓ Engages socially and makes eye contact
- ✓ Older siblings who "translate"
Consider an Evaluation
- ✓ Significantly behind milestones
- ✓ Not making progress over time
- ✓ Frustrated or avoiding communication
- ✓ Regression (losing skills they had)
- ✓ Teacher or doctor expressed concern
The "Wait and See" Myth
Many well-meaning family members (and even some healthcare providers) suggest "waiting and see" if a child will "grow out of it." While some children do catch up on their own, research overwhelmingly supports early intervention:
"Children who receive early speech and language intervention achieve better outcomes in communication, academics, and social-emotional development than those who wait."
The brain is most adaptable in the early years, making intervention particularly effective. If your child doesn't need therapy, an evaluation will provide that reassurance. If they do need support, early intervention gives them the best chance for success.
What to Do If You're Concerned
If you've noticed any of these signs, here are your next steps:
- Trust your instincts. You know your child best. If something feels off, it's worth investigating.
- Talk to your pediatrician. Share your specific concerns and ask for a referral if needed.
- Schedule a speech-language evaluation. A comprehensive assessment will identify your child's strengths and any areas of concern.
- Explore early intervention programs. For children under 3, your state's early intervention program may provide free services.
Get Answers with a Free Consultation
At Clear Sky Speech Therapy, we offer complimentary phone consultations to discuss your concerns. Whether you're in Park City, Utah or the Heber Valley, we're here to help you understand your options.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about speech and language development? Explore these resources:
Megan Williamson, MA, CCC-SLP
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
Megan is the founder of Clear Sky Speech Therapy, serving families in Park City, Heber City, Midway, and all of Summit and Wasatch Counties. With experience in pediatric speech therapy, she helps parents understand their children's communication development and provides effective, evidence-based treatment.