7 Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy
When to Consider Speech Therapy
Every child develops at their own pace, but certain milestones help identify when professional support could make a difference. Early intervention is key - the earlier speech delays are addressed, the better the outcomes.
The 7 Signs
1. Not Babbling by 12 Months
By 12 months, most babies babble with consonant-vowel combinations ("ba-ba", "da-da"). If your child is mostly silent or only making vowel sounds, this is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
2. Fewer Than 50 Words by Age 2
By 24 months, most children have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and are starting to combine two words ("more milk", "daddy go"). A vocabulary under 50 words at this age is considered a late talker.
3. Strangers Cannot Understand Them by Age 3
By age 3, about 75% of what your child says should be understandable to people outside the family. If only you can decipher what they're saying, speech therapy can help with articulation.
4. Not Using 3-4 Word Sentences by Age 3
Three-year-olds should be speaking in short sentences ("I want juice", "Where daddy go?"). Single-word communication at this age suggests a language delay.
5. Stuttering That Persists Past Age 4
Some stuttering is normal between ages 2-4 as language skills develop rapidly. But if stuttering continues past age 4, or if your child shows visible frustration when trying to speak, a speech evaluation is recommended.
6. Difficulty Following Simple Directions
By age 2, children should follow simple one-step directions ("give me the cup"). By age 3, they should follow two-step directions ("pick up the ball and bring it here"). Difficulty with receptive language can indicate a need for therapy.
7. Losing Previously Acquired Words
If your child was using words and then stops - this is called regression and should be evaluated promptly. Language regression can be associated with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions where early intervention is critical.
What to Do Next
- Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns
- Request a referral for a speech-language evaluation
- Contact your state's early intervention program (free for children under 3)
- Browse speech therapists on CubHelp to find a CCC-SLP certified provider near you
Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance plans cover speech therapy when prescribed by a physician. Many states mandate coverage for speech therapy as part of early intervention. Check our therapy directory to see which providers accept your insurance.