Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
"When should I look into speech therapy for my child?" It’s a common question parents ask when they notice their child isn’t talking as expected. It’s natural to wonder whether your child is just a "late talker" or if they might need support.
Speech and language skills are key to social, emotional, and academic development. Knowing when to get speech therapy for a speech delay can make a big difference in your child's progress and well-being.
At Expressable, our speech therapists have helped thousands of children overcome speech delays. We know how overwhelming this decision can feel. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your child.
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Free consultationWhen to get speech therapy for a speech delay
The short answer? The earlier, the better. If your child is struggling to meet any of the communication milestones for their age, speech therapy can prevent them from falling further behind. Children develop rapidly in the first few years of life, and their speech and language skills should build in each stage of development.
From birth, babies start communicating — crying, cooing, and babbling. Over time, they begin to use gestures, understand words, and say their first sentences. If your child isn’t hitting these milestones, it can affect their ability to connect with others and succeed in school. You can view all the communication milestones, from babies through teens, in our Learning Center.
Speech therapy for a speech delay should start as soon as possible. Even the youngest toddlers can benefit from speech therapy! Early intervention helps children build essential communication skills and more easily interact with other people.
Not sure whether your child is on track? Talk to your pediatrician or a licensed speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist. You can also take our free online screener, with questions tailored to your child’s age. You’ll learn whether a speech evaluation is recommended for your child.
What are the signs of a speech delay?
Every child develops at their own pace. However, there are general timeframes in which kids typically gain certain skills. This isn’t a full list, but below are some key signs of a speech delay to watch for. Remember, noticing a delay doesn’t mean your child won’t catch up, but getting help early can make a big difference.
3-6 months
Limited interest in social interactions
Rarely makes cooing or playful sounds
6-9 months
No babbling
Rarely makes sounds back-and-forth with caregivers
Doesn’t enjoy social games like peek-a-boo
9-12 months
Doesn’t wave, point, or use gestures
Doesn’t clearly ask for objects while focusing on them
No reduplicative babbling (for example, saying “ba-ba”)
18 months
Doesn’t try to say at least three other words besides “mama” or “dada”
Doesn’t produce early consonants like /b/, /p/, /m/, /n/, and /d/ by themselves
24 months and beyond
Doesn’t use two-word phrases by age 24 months (such as “My turn!” or “More milk!”)
Isn’t using around 50 words
Unable to answer basic questions (such as “What’s that?” or “Where is your doll?”)
Frequently frustrated when trying to communicate
If you see any of these signs of a speech delay in your child, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation with a speech therapist. Even if you’re unsure, it never hurts to get an expert opinion!
What happens in speech therapy for speech delay?
The first step is a speech evaluation, which helps determine if your child needs speech therapy. The evaluation usually happens at the first appointment. A speech therapist will assess your child’s communication skills through observation, play, and standardized tests. They will also talk with you about how your child communicates at home. This will give them a complete picture of your child’s abilities, so they can determine whether speech therapy is needed.
Having an evaluation doesn’t commit you to speech therapy, but it enables you to make an informed decision.
Speech therapy is personalized for each child, and it’s designed to be engaging and fun. Therapy sessions usually happen once or twice a week, depending on your child’s needs.
Speech therapists use play-based activities to encourage communication. For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, the therapist might use dinosaur toys to practice new words. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s flexible and evolves as your child grows. Check out this article to learn more about how speech delay is treated.
No cost, no commitment. Just expert guidance for your peace of mind
Schedule a free consultationYou can also take a peek at a therapy session for speech delay! This short video features one of our speech therapists working with a 2-year-old. He’s learning to use more words through song (and he’s having a blast).
You’ll notice that the toddler’s mom is there with him. Parent involvement is key when it comes to speech therapy for speech delay. Parents and caregivers should attend sessions so they can learn strategies to practice with their child at home. The more you practice during everyday routines, the faster your child will make progress!
Early intervention leads to better speech outcomes
A speech delay can affect a child’s ability to learn, build relationships, and express their emotions. Waiting to start speech therapy can prolong challenges and make habits harder to change. The earlier speech therapy for a speech delay begins, the faster children can learn to communicate more clearly.
If you’re wondering whether your child needs speech therapy, trust your instincts. Having an evaluation doesn’t commit you to speech therapy, but it enables you to make an informed decision. Your child’s voice is important — and with the right support, they can use it to connect, learn, and grow.
We’re here to answer your questions about speech delay
Expressable speech therapists are experienced in treating children with speech delay. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, schedule a free consultation call with one of our specialists. We’re here to answer your questions and help guide you in supporting your child.
