What age to start speech therapy?

Babies start speech therapy by making cute sounds and quickly learn to talk in a few years. It is exciting to watch, but sometimes kids might need more time.

If you are concerned that your child is having trouble with talking and wonder when to get their help, do not worry. This post explains the steps in learning to talk, why it is important, what to do if your child needs extra support, and how to know when it is time for start speech therapy. Please Visit Estipforchildren For More Information.

Why Milestones are Important

How can we tell if a child is growing and learning well with their language? We look at milestones. These are things most kids can do at certain ages. We do not want to worry too much about them, but it is good to know what they are.

Milestones are like road signs that tell us if we are on the right path. They exist for lots of things, like how big we get, how we move, how we read, and even how we talk!

If you are curious about speech milestones and want to know if your child is doing okay, you can use our free checklist. It will help you figure out if your child might need speech therapy. It is a beautiful place to start.

How to Know if Your Child Needs Start Speech Therapy

Language skills start developing as soon as your child is born, even before they speak their first words. It is important to keep an eye on how your child’s language is coming along, as many parents wait too long before seeking help. If you have any worries, a good first step is to use our simple online screener to see if your child might need a start speech therapy and language evaluation.

For younger children, there are some warning signs to watch out for

0-3 months

I do not respond much.
Does not seem aware of their surroundings.
Crying does not change whether they are tired, hungry, or in pain.

3-6 months

He has trouble focusing and gets easily overwhelmed.
Does not seem to pay attention to sounds or where they are coming from.
Limited interest in people and objects around them.

6-9 months

Does not seem to enjoy social interaction.
Does not make eye contact or engage in games like peek-a-boo.
It does not babble much or uses many different sounds.

9-12 months

Gets upset by sounds that do not bother others.
Does not clearly ask for things while looking at them.
Does not use gestures like waving or respond to language.

As you can see, many important speech and language skills develop in the first year of life. The second year brings even more language demands. Typically, children start saying their first real words, asking for things, putting two words together, and using about 50 words to talk by age 2. If your child is not hitting these milestones, it is a good idea to talk to a speech therapist.

Another thing to watch is how your child makes specific speech sounds. In the first few years of life, children begin playing with sounds and using them in words. While we usually do not start treating speech sound issues until age 3, having trouble saying sounds correctly could be a sign of a speech problem. Keep an eye on whether your child:

Says /p/, /b/, /m/, /h/, and /w/ sounds wrong in words (ages 1-2 years).
Says /k/, /g/, /f/, /t/, /d/, and /n/ sounds wrong in words (ages 2-3 years).
Speaks unclearly, even to people who know them well (ages 2-3 years).

Comparing Your Child to Others

It is natural to look at other kids and wonder if your child is keeping up. Sometimes, it can make you feel like you are not doing a decent job as a parent.

But here is the thing: every child is different. They grow and learn at their own speed. Some kids might be good at one thing, like talking, but not as good at something else that your child is great at.

You are doing a wonderful job as a parent, and you should not blame yourself. Even if your child lags a little, it is not your fault!

If you are worried about your child, use the milestones checklist to see if they need help. Do not decide based on what another child is doing. What matters most is what’s right for your child.”

What Age Should Speech Therapy Begin?

The best time to begin speech therapy is when you see your child falling behind or not reaching their speech milestones. It is never too early or too late to start therapy.

Usually, if a child is not speaking at all, they might be checked for speech and language issues around 18 months (about 1 and a half years) old. But some children can start even earlier, especially if they were born with a disability. And it is also okay to begin therapy when they are older. Sometimes, when they start preschool or school, that’s when people notice things that need attention.”

When to Get a Speech and Language Assessment

Once you notice that your child is not reaching the milestones they should be, it is an enjoyable time to consider a speech and language assessment.

We, as speech therapists, really suggest being proactive, not waiting. Many parents tell us they wish they had started sooner. They have never regretted being proactive.

Do not ‘Wait and See’ Some doctors might say to wait and see if your child’s language skills catch up on their own. But we can tell you for sure that this is not the best approach.

While it is true that some kids catch up on their own, we cannot predict who will or will not. That is why we encourage all families with young children to be proactive and seek help for their child’s language development. It’s also a great idea to learn what you can do at home to support them.”

Helping Your Child’s Language Skills at Home with Wee Talkers

Speech therapy for toddlers is not what happens in the therapy room. Parents play a significant role because you spend a lot of time with your child! By using speech therapy strategies in your daily routines, your child can make even better progress.

Our Talk Toddler course and Songs Stories membership are here to provide you with the information, support, and guidance you need to assist your child at home.

Whether you are working with your child

Actively, before even getting a speech and language evaluation.
While you are waiting on a list for therapy.
To add to the therapy sessions your child is already having.
After your therapy sessions are finished.

No matter when or why you want to support your child, Wee Talkers is here to give you the tools to help them thrive!”

FAQs

When should I consider speech therapy for my child?

It is an innovative idea to consider speech therapy if your child is having difficulty with speech sounds, language development, or communication milestones. Early intervention is essential for better outcomes.

What are common signs that my child might need speech therapy?

Signs can include difficulty pronouncing words, trouble understanding or using language, limited vocabulary, or struggles with social communication. If you have concerns, consult with a speech therapist.

Is it normal for children to develop speech skills at different rates?

Yes, children develop at their own pace. However, if your child consistently lags age-appropriate speech and language milestones, it is a suitable time to consider speech therapy.

How can I support my child’s start speech therapy development at home?

You can encourage speech development by talking and reading to your child regularly. Engage in conversations, use clear speech, and provide opportunities for them to express themselves.

What is the role of a speech therapist, and what can I expect during therapy sessions?

Answer: A speech therapist helps identify speech and language challenges and creates personalized therapy plans. Therapy sessions often involve fun activities and exercises to improve speech sounds, language skills, and communication.

Reference

Girolametto, L., Wiigs, M., Smyth, R., Weitzman, E., & Pearce, P. S. Children with a history of expressive language delay: Outcomes at 5 years of age. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 10, 358-369.