Communication skills develop quickly during childhood, but not always at the same pace for every child. Parents often wonder whether their child’s speech and language milestones are on track, whether certain patterns are normal, or whether additional support might help.
At Vero Speech Therapy, we help families evaluate speech and language needs with clarity and confidence. This guide explains how parents assess communication concerns and what to consider when deciding if speech therapy could be beneficial.
Every Child Develops Differently, But Milestones Matter
While development varies, milestones provide helpful reference points. Speech and language milestones include how a child:
- Understands language
- Uses words to communicate
- Forms sentences
- Produces sounds clearly
- Follows directions
- Engages socially
Milestones offer context, not pressure.
Step One: Observe Communication in Everyday Situations
Parents often notice the earliest signs at home.
Consider how your child communicates when:
- Asking for help
- Responding to questions
- Playing with peers
- Telling stories or expressing ideas
- Following multi-step directions
Everyday interactions provide valuable insight into functional communication.
Step Two: Pay Attention to Both Speech and Language
Speech and language are related, but not the same.
Speech refers to:
- Sound production
- Articulation clarity
- Fluency or smoothness of speech
Language refers to:
- Understanding what others say
- Using words and grammar
- Organizing thoughts and stories
A child may speak clearly but struggle with language, or the opposite.
Step Three: Compare Comprehension and Expression
Children must both understand and express language.
Parents often ask:
- Does my child understand more than they can say?
- Are they struggling with both?
- Is expressive language delayed compared to peers?
Speech therapy supports both receptive and expressive skills.
Step Four: Observe Social and Classroom Impact
Speech and language challenges can affect:
- Confidence
- Social play
- Classroom participation
- Asking questions
- Reading and academic skills
These impacts often become more noticeable as children enter school.
Step Five: Consider Frustration and Behavior
Communication difficulties can lead to frustration.
Parents may notice:
- Tantrums around communication
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Reluctance to speak
- Emotional distress when misunderstood
Behavior often communicates what words cannot.
Step Six: Compare Current Patterns to Expected Milestones
Milestones are guidelines, not rigid rules.
Examples:
- First words typically appear around 12 months
- Two-word combinations around age 2
- Clearer articulation between ages 3–4
- Storytelling and grammar development from 4–7
If milestones are significantly delayed, evaluation may be helpful.
Step Seven: Consider Family History and Hearing
Development can be influenced by:
- Genetic factors
- Early hearing issues
- Chronic ear infections
- Environmental exposure to language
Hearing screenings are often part of speech evaluations.
When Speech Therapy May Be Helpful
Speech therapy may be appropriate if a child:
- Is difficult to understand
- Has limited vocabulary for their age
- Struggles with comprehension
- Has unclear or disorganized speech
- Experiences social or academic challenges
- Shows persistent stuttering or fluency issues
- Is frustrated by communication
Early support can make a big difference.
Why Early Evaluation Helps
Evaluations provide clarity, not labels.
Early evaluation helps:
- Identify strengths
- Understand challenges
- Determine whether support is needed
- Build confidence for children and parents
Early intervention is proven to improve long-term outcomes.
How Vero Speech Therapy Supports Families
At Vero Speech Therapy, we work closely with families to:
- Evaluate communication skills
- Explain findings in parent-friendly language
- Develop individualized therapy plans
- Teach strategies for home support
- Celebrate progress at every step
Parents are included throughout the process.
Supporting Your Child’s Communication Journey
Speech and language skills are essential for learning, social connection, and confidence. When parents understand how to evaluate communication needs, they can make informed decisions that support their child’s growth.
If you have questions about your child’s speech or language development, Vero Speech Therapy can help provide clarity and guidance. Contact Pamela Cerrato today for a free consultation!
Strong communication builds strong futures.
