5 early signs your child may need speech therapy

As parents, we watch every milestone with joy—from that first gurgle to the magical moment they say “Mama” or “Dada.” But what happens when the words don’t come as expected? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is my child just taking their time, or is there something more?”—you’re not alone.

Speech and language delays are more common than most people realize. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 5% of children entering first grade have noticeable speech disorders. While every child develops at their own pace, certain signs can indicate when it might be time to seek the help of a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 early signs your child may need speech therapy—plus how early intervention can make a lasting difference.

Limited Vocabulary for Their Age

Children develop language at different speeds, but they typically follow a predictable path:

• By 12 months, most babies say 1–2 simple words (“mama,” “bye-bye”).
  
• By 18 months, they may have 10–20 words.
  
• By 2 years, they should string together two-word phrases like “want juice” or “more toy.”
  

If your child is not meeting these language milestones or seems to be “stuck” at a certain stage for months, it could be a sign of a language delay.

What to watch for:

• Your 2-year-old says fewer than 50 words.
  
• They rely mostly on gestures rather than words.
  
• They have trouble understanding basic commands (“get the ball,” “come here”).
  

Why it matters:
A limited vocabulary can impact reading skills, social development, and learning. Early therapy focuses on improving both understanding (receptive language) and use of words (expressive language).

Difficulty Being Understood by Others

It’s normal for young toddlers to mispronounce words (think “wabbit” for “rabbit” or “pasghetti” for “spaghetti”). But as they grow, their speech should become clearer—especially to people outside the home.

By age 3, strangers should understand about 75% of what your child says. By age 4, that number jumps to 90–100%.

What to watch for:

• Only parents or siblings can understand what your child is saying.
  
• Your child gets frustrated when others ask them to repeat.
  
• They omit sounds (“ca” for “cat”) or substitute incorrect ones (“tat” for “cat”).
  

Why it matters:
Unclear speech can lead to social isolation and self-esteem issues—especially in daycare, preschool, or group play environments. Speech therapy helps refine articulation and phonological processing.

Stuttering or Repeating Sounds Frequently

A little repetition is normal—especially when toddlers are excited or tired. But if your child frequently stutters, struggles to get words out, or seems anxious about speaking, it may point to a fluency disorder.

What to watch for:

• Repeating syllables (“I-I-I want that”)
  
• Prolonging sounds (“Mmmmmmommy”)
  
• Blocking (mouth opens but no sound comes out)
  
• Avoiding speaking altogether or showing visible distress when talking
  

Why it matters:
Fluency issues can worsen with stress or excitement. Early speech therapy can help children gain control and confidence in their speech patterns and reduce the emotional toll of stuttering.

Lack of Social Interaction or Nonverbal Communication

Speech therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s also about communication as a whole, including gestures, eye contact, turn-taking, and facial expressions.

If your child struggles with these nonverbal cues, they may benefit from speech-language support that focuses on social communication skills.

What to watch for:

• Rarely makes eye contact
  
• Doesn’t point to objects of interest
  
• Avoids social play or parallel play
  
• Struggles to interpret or use facial expressions
  

Why it matters:
These challenges may indicate pragmatic language difficulties, which are sometimes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or social communication disorder. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate and guide you toward the next best steps, including possible referrals.

Regression or Sudden Loss of Speech Skills

This one is crucial. If your child was developing speech normally and then suddenly loses the ability to use words, gestures, or other forms of communication they previously had—it’s time to seek immediate help.

Regression can signal a serious developmental concern and should never be brushed off as a “phase.”

What to watch for:

• Stopping use of words they previously said
  
• Becoming increasingly silent or withdrawn
  
• Loss of interest in playing or interacting
  

Why it matters:
Speech regression may point to underlying neurological or developmental disorders. Prompt evaluation can lead to early intervention, which is key to supporting long-term development.

Why Early Speech Therapy Makes a Big Difference

The earlier you identify a speech or language concern, the better the outcome. Research shows that early intervention services improve a child’s ability to develop and learn, helping them reach school-age with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially.

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” your child. It’s about unlocking their unique voice—helping them connect, express, and thrive.

“ It’s not about the words they say. It’s about giving them the confidence to say them.” — A Speech Therapist’s Insight

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem

If any of the signs above resonate with you, here are a few gentle steps to take:

1. Talk to your pediatrician. They can refer you to a certified speech-language pathologist for evaluation.
   
2. Schedule an assessment. Many therapists offer free or affordable screenings.
   
3. Don’t wait. The “wait and see” approach can delay important support. Early help can make all the difference.
   
4. Trust your instincts. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best.
   

What Happens in Speech Therapy?

Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include:

• Sound repetition and articulation exercises
  
• Vocabulary-building games
  
• Picture cards and storytelling
  
• Social interaction play
  
• Listening and comprehension activities
  

Sessions are often play-based, fun, and deeply encouraging. It’s not about drills—it’s about connection.

Final Thoughts:

Worrying about your child’s speech can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone, and help is available. Identifying these early signs and seeking guidance doesn’t label your child—it empowers them. Whether they just need a little support or longer-term care, early speech therapy can open the door to a more confident, expressive future.