As parents, we eagerly await our children’s developmental milestones. We count the months until they crawl, take their first steps, and say their first words. But communication is a complex puzzle, and speech delays can show up in many different ways.
Early intervention is one of the most powerful tools we have. By catching communication challenges early, we give children the confidence they need before they enter school.
Here are four signs that it might be time to consult a pediatric speech-language pathologist:
Limited Vocabulary for Their Age
While every child develops at their own pace, there are general benchmarks. By 18 months, toddlers typically use about 10 to 20 words. By age two, they are usually combining two words together (like “more milk” or “go bye-bye”). If your two-year-old is using fewer than 50 words consistently, a check-in can offer clarity.
Difficulty Being Understood by Others
It’s normal for parents to act as “translators” for their toddlers. However, by age three, unfamiliar adults should be able to understand about 75% of what your child says. If your child frustrates easily because others can’t understand them, speech therapy can help clarify their speech sounds.
Struggling to Understand Instructions
Speech therapy isn’t just about speaking (expressive language)—it’s also about understanding (receptive language). If your child seems to have trouble following simple, age-appropriate directions or doesn’t respond to their name by their first birthday, an evaluation can help identify the root cause.
Challenges with Social Interaction
Does your child struggle to make eye contact, show interest in playing with other kids, or use gestures to point at things they want? Communication is deeply social, and speech therapists help children learn the conversational “give-and-take” of playing with peers.
