Vocabulary Development Services for Autistic Kids
How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy
There’s a lot of information out there about how children learn to talk, and it can feel overwhelming. Every child is unique. Some kids start talking early and never stop, while others take their time and find other ways to communicate.
As a parent, you know your child best. It’s natural to wonder whether their speech or language skills are developing as expected , or if they might need some extra help. This guide is here to give you clear, caring information so you can feel confident about what to look for and what steps to take if you have concerns.
Understanding Speech and Language Development
Before we look at possible signs that your child might need speech therapy, it is helpful to know what “speech” and “language” really mean. These words are often used together, but they’re not the same thing.
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Speech is how we say sounds and words. It includes things like pronunciation, voice, and fluency (how smoothly words come out).
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Language is the words we use and how we use them to share ideas. It includes understanding what others say (receptive language) and expressing thoughts and emotions with words, gestures, or even pictures (expressive language).
Children learn to communicate by watching, listening, and interacting with the people around them. There’s a wide range of what’s “typical,” one child may say their first words at 12 months, while another might wait until closer to 18 months. Both can be completely normal.
Common Signs Your Child May Benefit from Speech Therapy
It’s easy to worry about every little difference, but there are some helpful signs that may suggest your child could use extra support from a speech-language pathologist:
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Your child isn’t saying as many words as you’d expect for their age.
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They get frustrated when trying to talk because others can’t understand them.
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You notice they have trouble making certain sounds or skip sounds in words.
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They have a limited vocabulary or don’t put words together into short sentences.
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They seem to have trouble understanding directions or questions.
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You notice they don’t use gestures or eye contact to communicate.
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Your child repeats sounds or words a lot (stuttering) or has an unusual voice quality.
These signs don’t always mean something is wrong. Sometimes kids just need time. But when you see a few of these signs and feel concerned, it’s worth talking to a professional who can guide you.
What Causes Speech or Language Delays?
Sometimes parents worry that a speech or language delay means they did something wrong. It’s important to know that’s not the case. Many factors can affect how a child’s speech and language development, and sometimes, there isn’t an obvious reason at all.
Here are a few common causes:
Hearing difficulties: Even mild hearing loss, from frequent ear infections for example, can make it harder for a child to learn new words or sounds.
Developmental differences: Some children may have delays linked to developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder. Others may have general developmental delays or learning differences that affect how they process language.
Oral-motor challenges: Some kids have trouble coordinating the muscles needed for speech. This might mean they have trouble making certain sounds or difficulties speaking clearly.
No clear cause: Sometimes, children are simply late talkers. They may catch up on their own, or they might benefit from a little extra support to build skills.
Whatever the cause, the good news is that speech and language therapy can help children develop stronger skills, and help parents feel supported too.
Developmental Milestones
Every child grows at their own pace, but there are some general milestones that can help you decide when to ask for help.
By 12 months:
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Your child should be babbling with different sounds (like “ba-ba” or “ma-ma”)
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They should respond to their name and simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
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They may say a few words like “mama,” “dada,” or a favourite toy’s name
By 18 months:
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They might say 10–20 words and try to imitate new words
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They use gestures, like pointing or waving to communicate
By 2 years:
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Your child should have at least 50 words and be putting two words together, like “more juice”
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They should follow simple directions, like “get your shoes”
By 3 years:
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They should be speaking in three-word sentences
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Strangers should understand about half of what they say
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They ask lots of questions
By 4 years:
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Most of what they say should be clear to people outside the family
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They can tell simple stories and use longer sentences
If you notice your child isn’t reaching these milestones, don’t panic , but do consider reaching out for an assessment. Getting help early can make a big difference.
How a Speech Therapist Can Help
Speech therapy for children is usually play-based and tailored to each child’s needs. It’s not just about drills and repetition, it’s about helping your child learn to communicate in a way that feels fun and natural for them.
A speech-language pathologist might:
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Work on making certain sounds clearer, like “s” or “r” sounds
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Help your child learn new words and teach them how to put them together
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Support your child in understanding of questions and help them follow directions
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Build social communication skills, like taking turns
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Offer strategies for fluency, if your child stutters
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Teach parents ways to practice at home during everyday routines
At Thera+Kids, therapy plans are made with your family’s goals and your child’s personality in mind. You’re part of the team every step of the way, because you know your child best.
What an Assessment Looks Like
If you’re wondering whether your child needs speech therapy, the first step is an assessment. This might sound formal, but it’s really just a chance for a trained professional to get to know your child and see how they communicate.
Here’s what usually happens:
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You’ll share your concerns and observations. Nobody knows your child’s communication style better than you do.
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The speech-language pathologist will interact with your child through play, conversation, and simple activities.
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Standardized tools or checklists might be used to compare your child’s skills to typical developmental milestones.
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They may ask about your child’s medical history such as hearing history, birth history, or other areas that could affect speech and language.
After the assessment, you’ll get clear feedback about whether therapy is recommended, what it could look like, and how you can help at home. Sometimes, children may only need a few sessions. Other times, ongoing support is helpful. Either way, you’ll have a plan that feels manageable and supportive.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Even if your child is seeing a speech therapist, what you do at home can make a big difference. You don’t need special tools or hours of extra work, small changes can help your child feel more confident and understood.
Some simple ideas include:
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Talk often: Describe what you’re doing, name objects, and repeat new words.
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Read together: Books help build vocabulary and a great example to show how language works.
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Wait for a response: Give your child extra time to find the words they want to say.
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Expand on what they say: If your child says “dog,” you can say “Yes, that’s a big brown dog.”
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Make it fun: Sing songs, play pretend games, and follow your child’s lead.
Your child learns best when they feel relaxed and engaged , and you don’t have to be perfect. Every little interaction counts.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child needs extra help with their speech or language skills, you’re not alone. Many parents have the same questions , and asking for help is one of the best things you can do for your child.
There’s no harm in getting an assessment, even if it turns out your child is on track. If therapy is needed, early support can make a big difference, helping your child feel more confident, understood, and ready to connect with the world around them.
Remember: you know your child better than anyone else. If something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you decide to reach out, caring professionals, like the team at Thera+Kids , are here to guide you every step of the way. We believe in family-centred, play-based therapy that makes children feel safe and supported, and parents feel heard.
When you’re ready, we’re here for you.
FAQs
Q1. Is my child just a late talker?
Many children are “late talkers” and catch up on their own, but it’s not always easy to tell the difference between a late talker and a child who needs extra help. A speech-language pathologist can help you figure that out.
Q2. Will my child grow out of a speech delay?
Some children do, but not all. Getting help early can prevent small delays from becoming bigger challenges later on.
Q3. How long does speech therapy take?
It depends on each child’s needs. Some children only need a few sessions; others benefit from ongoing support. A therapist will work with you to create a plan that makes sense for your family.
Q4. How do I talk to my child about going to speech therapy?
Keep it simple and positive. You might say, “We’re going to play with a special teacher who will help you with your words.” Speech therapy should feel fun and encouraging, not like a test.