It is completely natural for parents to wonder whether their child is meeting speech and language milestones on time. Children develop at different rates, and many go through phases where their speech seems to slow down or jump ahead unexpectedly.
But there are also situations where a delay may signal that a child needs extra support. Understanding what is typical and what may require an evaluation can make a huge difference in your child’s long-term communication skills.
As a licensed speech-language pathologist at Vero Speech Therapy, I help families navigate this exact question every day. Here is a clear, simple guide to knowing when a speech delay is normal and when it may be time to seek help.
Speech and Language Milestones by Age
While every child grows differently, developmental milestones offer helpful guidelines.
By 12 months:
- Babbles frequently
- Says 1 to 2 words like mama or bye
- Responds to their name
- Uses gestures such as pointing
By 18 months:
- Says at least 10 to 20 words
- Tries to imitate new words
- Understands simple instructions
By 2 years:
- Uses 50 or more words
- Combines 2-word phrases like want juice
- Follows one-step directions
- Uses speech to get needs met
By 3 years:
- Uses short sentences
- Strangers understand about 75 percent of speech
- Asks basic questions
- Takes turns in simple conversations
By 4 years:
- Tells stories
- Uses full sentences
- Strangers understand nearly all speech
- Understands concepts like big, little, in, under
If your child is not close to these milestones, it may be time to speak with a specialist.
When Speech Delays Are Normal
Not every slow start is a sign of a problem. Delays may be typical when:
- Your child is focused on developing motor skills
- Your child is shy or quiet in new situations
- There is a temporary burst of new skills in other areas
- Your child understands far more than they can say
- Speech improves steadily month to month
Children grow in uneven patterns. A mild delay with consistent progress is usually not concerning.
When Speech Delays May Be Cause for Concern
Some delays signal the need for a professional evaluation. Speak with a speech therapist if your child:
- Is not using single words by 18 months
- Is not combining 2-word phrases by age 2
- Cannot follow simple instructions
- Has limited eye contact or social interaction
- Has unclear speech at age 3 or older
- Stops using words they previously used
- Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
- Does not seem to understand spoken language
- Uses mostly gestures instead of words after age 2
Early signs should never be ignored. The sooner support begins, the easier and more effective therapy can be.
Signs of Underlying Issues
A speech delay may be part of a larger developmental picture. Possible underlying factors include:
- Hearing difficulties
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Oral-motor challenges
- Developmental language disorder
- Genetic conditions
- Tongue-tie or structural concerns
- Cognitive delays
While these possibilities can feel scary, a proper evaluation brings clarity, direction, and peace of mind.
What Early Intervention Looks Like
Early intervention is not complicated or intimidating. It is simply specialized support tailored to your child’s needs.
Early intervention may include:
- Building vocabulary through play
- Improving articulation and clarity
- Strengthening social communication
- Parent coaching to support communication at home
- Working on oral-motor movements when needed
- Creating routines that encourage speech
Therapy is always child-centered, gentle, and designed to fit naturally into everyday life.
Trust Your Instincts as a Parent
You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off or you notice your child struggling to communicate, an evaluation can give you answers and relief.
At Vero Speech Therapy, I help families understand exactly where their child stands developmentally and what steps will support their communication growth. Early guidance can make all the difference.
Contact Us Today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about speech and language milestones.
Early support builds confident communicators. I am here to help.
