🧠 Is It Time for Speech Therapy? Signs to Watch for in Your Child - Pediatric Speech Therapy - Pamela Cerrato MACCCSLP

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: Is my child’s speech development on track?
While every child grows at their own pace, there are certain signs that may suggest it’s time to consult a certified speech-language pathologist.

Here are some clear, age-appropriate signs to help you determine whether your child may benefit from speech therapy—and why early support can make all the difference.

👶 Ages 1–2: Early Sounds & First Words

✅ Signs to Watch For:

Not babbling (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”) by 12 months
Not using gestures (pointing, waving, reaching) to communicate
No clear first words by 15–18 months
Not following simple directions like “Come here” or “Give me that”
Seems frustrated often but can’t express needs with words or signs

🧠 By age 2, most children can say around 50 words and start combining two words (e.g., “more juice,” “go car”).

👧 Ages 2–3: Understanding & Being Understood

✅ Signs to Watch For:

Speech is difficult for family (or even you) to understand
Not combining words into simple phrases
Difficulty imitating sounds or words
Echoes words instead of responding appropriately
Shows little interest in talking or communicating
Can’t point to body parts or pictures when asked

🧠 By age 3, strangers should understand about 75% of your child’s speech.

🧒 Ages 4–5: Storytelling, Clarity, and Social Speech

✅ Signs to Watch For:

Still omitting or mispronouncing many sounds (like “r,” “l,” “s,” “sh,” or “th”)
Struggles to form complete sentences or describe events
Difficulty asking questions or answering them
Has trouble following two- or three-step directions
Gets easily frustrated or avoids speaking situations (e.g., preschool, playground)

🧠 By kindergarten, most children can speak clearly in full sentences and be understood by nearly everyone.

🚩 Additional Red Flags (At Any Age)

Stuttering or frequent hesitations
Flat, robotic, or unusually high-pitched voice
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
History of hearing issues or frequent ear infections
Regression in speech or language abilities

👩‍⚕️ Early Help Makes a Big Difference

The earlier a speech delay or communication disorder is identified, the easier it is to address.
If you’re noticing any of these signs—or if you simply have a gut feeling—it’s always okay to ask questions and seek professional insight.

💬 Talk to a Speech Expert Who Truly Cares

Pamela Cerrato, MA CCC-SLP offers individualized evaluations and therapy plans designed around your child’s unique needs. With a caring, play-based approach, she helps children build strong communication skills and grow with confidence.