When Should My Child Start Speech Therapy?

As a parent, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” and what’s cause for concern when it comes to your child’s speech and language development. Every child is different, but there are certain milestones and red flags that can help you decide whether it’s time to seek support.

Here’s what you need to know about when to start speech therapy—and how early intervention can make a world of difference.

🧠 What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy helps children develop the ability to communicate clearly and confidently. It can support:

• Speech sound development (articulation)

• Understanding and using language

• Social communication

• Stuttering or voice difficulties

📊 Milestones: What’s Typical?

Here are general benchmarks to keep in mind:

By 12 months:

• Babbles with a variety of sounds

• Responds to name

• Uses gestures (waving, pointing)

By 18 months:

• Says 10–20 words

• Understands simple directions like “come here”

• Points to things they want

By 2 years:

• Says at least 50 words

• Combines 2 words (e.g., “more juice”)

• Is understood by parents about 50% of the time

By 3 years:

• Uses 3–4 word sentences

• Can answer simple questions

• Is understood by strangers about 75% of the time

🚩 Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

If your child:

• Isn’t meeting the milestones above

• Is hard to understand compared to peers

• Doesn’t follow simple directions

• Gets frustrated when trying to talk

• Isn’t using gestures, pointing, or making eye contact

…it might be time to speak with a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

⏰ The Earlier, the Better

Starting therapy early doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it means you’re giving your child a head start.

Early intervention can:

• Prevent future academic or social difficulties

• Boost confidence and independence

• Improve communication with family and peers

🗣️ What Happens in an Evaluation?

An SLP will:

• Assess your child’s speech and language skills through play and interaction

• Determine strengths, areas of need, and whether therapy is recommended

• Answer all your questions about milestones, diagnosis, and next steps

📞 Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re unsure whether your child would benefit from speech therapy, I offer private evaluations and free consultations. I specialize in working with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children using a fun, play-based approach.

📍 Located in Lutherville, Timonium/ Baltimore, Maryland | 💻 Virtual sessions available across Maryland👉 Contact Me Today to schedule an evaluation or ask questions!