When to Worry About Your Child’s Speech and Language Development

As a new parent, it can be hard to know if your child’s speech and language skills are developing as they should. It’s natural to compare your child to siblings, cousins, or friends, and to hear plenty of “helpful” advice from well-meaning relatives. But every child develops at their own pace, and it can be confusing to know what’s normal variation and when it’s time to get professional support.

The good news is that help is available, and early support can make a big difference in your child’s communication, confidence, and learning.

How to Get a Speech and Language Evaluation

If you live in the United States, you can request a free evaluation through your state’s Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education programs. These services are designed to identify developmental needs early and provide therapy when it’s needed most.

If your area has long waitlists, check with your health insurance provider. Many plans cover private evaluations for speech and language concerns. Another great option is to contact local colleges or universities with communication sciences programs; their student clinics often offer high-quality, low-cost, or free evaluations supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists.

When to Seek Help: Key Milestones and Warning Signs

While every child grows at their own pace, there are general milestones and behaviors that can help guide your decision. You don’t need to check every box. Just use these as a roadmap for when to ask questions or schedule an evaluation.

By 9 months

• Your baby should be babbling with sounds like “ba,” “da,” and “ma.”

• They should respond to familiar voices and to their name.

By 15 months

• Most children use one or two real words (like “mama” or “ball”).

• They may imitate simple words or sounds and begin to point or gesture to communicate needs.

By 24 months

• Toddlers usually have around 50 words and start combining them into short phrases (“more juice,” “mama go”).

• They understand familiar words and short directions (“get your shoes,” “come here”).

If your child isn’t using words by 18 months or is mostly communicating through gestures or sounds after age 2, it may be time to check in with a speech-language pathologist.

Other Signs That a Speech Evaluation May Help

• Speech is difficult to understand: By age 3, you should understand about half of what your child says. By age 4, more than half of what they say should be clear to strangers.

• They leave off or replace sounds: Saying “tup” for “cup” or “wabbit” for “rabbit” can be normal when young, but persistent sound errors may signal a need for support.

• They don’t seem to understand language: If your child doesn’t follow directions, answer simple questions, or seems to tune out speech, their receptive language may need a boost. Make sure to get a hearing test, too.

• They struggle socially or avoid communication: Some children rarely initiate conversation, don’t take turns in play, or avoid eye contact. This may reflect social communication differences.

• Feeding concerns: Difficulty drinking, eating, or transitioning to solid foods can sometimes be related to oral motor or sensory issues.

• Stuttering or repeating sounds after age 3: Occasional repetition is common, but ongoing stuttering should be evaluated.

Why Early Help Matters

Early speech and language therapy gives children the tools to communicate, build relationships, and thrive in school. It supports vocabulary growth, confidence, and social connection, and prevents small delays from turning into bigger challenges later on.

Most importantly, you don’t need to wait until your child is “far behind.” If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek guidance. You’ll either get peace of mind that your child’s development is on track, or you’ll get help early when it makes the biggest impact.

Speech Therapy in the Northport Area

If you’re in the Northport area and want a warm, family-centered approach to speech and language therapy, Speech by the Sound can help.We specialize in childhood apraxia of speech, articulation, early language, and reading skills using evidence-based methods and play-based learning.

Contact Speech by the Sound today to schedule an evaluation or learn how we can support your child’s communication journey.