As a parent, it's natural to wonder if your child is developing on track—especially when it comes to communication. Speech and language development can vary widely from child to child, but certain signs may suggest it's time to consider a professional evaluation.

Here’s what you need to know about recognizing potential speech and language delays, and how to take the next step in seeking an evaluation if you're concerned.

Understanding Speech vs. Language

Before diving into warning signs for delayed speech and language development, it’s helpful to understand the difference between speech and language:

• Speech refers to how we say sounds and words (articulation, voice, fluency).
• Language refers to the words we use and how we use them to share ideas and understand others.

Children may struggle with one, both, or aspects of each.

Speech and Language Developmental Milestones: What’s Typical?

Here are some general speech and language development milestone guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

• By 12 months: Your infant should babble, respond to his or her name, try to imitate sounds, and use simple gestures (like waving).
• By 18 months: Your baby should be able to say several single words, understand simple commands, and point to objects when named.
• By 2 years: Your toddler should be able to combine two words (e.g. "more juice"), follow two-step directions, and should have a vocabulary of 50+ words.
• By 3 years: Strangers should be able to understand most of what your child says.  Your toddler should be able to use simple sentences and ask questions.
• By 4 years: Your child should be able to speak in full sentences, tell stories, and use correct grammar most of the time.
  
  

If your child is significantly behind in one or more of these areas, an evaluation could be beneficial.

Signs Your Child May Need a Speech Evaluation

Every child develops at their own pace, but the following signs may warrant a closer look.

Infants and toddlers may need a speech evaluation when they:

• Don’t babble, or they make very few sounds by 12 months
• Are not pointing, gesturing, or making eye contact
• Don’t respond to their name
• Display a limited vocabulary when compared to peers
• Express frustration when trying to communicate
  
  

Preschoolers may need a speech evaluation when:

• It is hard for their language to be understood, even by family members
• They frequently stutter or repeat sounds
• They use grammar or sentence structure incorrectly
• They don’t engage in pretend play or storytelling
• They have trouble following directions
  
  

School-age children may need a speech evaluation when they:

• Have difficulty learning new words or using them correctly
• Struggle with reading or writing
• Have trouble forming sentences or expressing thoughts clearly
• Sound immature compared to classmates
  
  

Trust Your Parental Instincts

If something feels "off," even if your child seems to be hitting most milestones, it’s okay to ask questions regarding your child's progress and whether you should be seeking development services. No one knows your child better than you. Bringing up your concerns early can lead to faster support and better outcomes.

What to Do if You are Concerned About Your Child’s Speech and Language Development Progress:

1. Talk to your pediatrician: Share your observations. Your child’s doctor may recommend a hearing test or issue a referral to a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
2. Request an evaluation: If your child is under three, contact your local early intervention program. For children 3 and up, reach out to your school district or a private SLP.
3. Don’t wait and see: Early intervention is key. The earlier speech and language delays are addressed, the better the long-term results.
   
   

Speech therapy doesn’t just help with pronunciation—it supports a child’s ability to connect, express themselves, and thrive socially and academically. If you’re unsure whether your child needs help, seeking a professional opinion is never a bad idea. You’re not alone, and help is available. Contact us if you'd like to schedule a speech and language evaluation for your child. 

Further reading: 

Late Talker or Speech Delay? How to Help Your Child Start Speaking

Speech Sounds by Age: What Sounds Should My Child Be Able to Pronounce?

When Should I Seek Development Services for My Child?