How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy
Every child develops at their own pace, but when it comes to communication, it’s natural for parents to worry. You may be wondering, Is this delay normal? Should I wait a little longer? Or is it time to seek help?
This guide will help you understand the common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from speech therapy. We’ll also outline age-appropriate milestones, when to act, and how speech pathologists can support your child’s development.
Why Early Support Matters
Speech and language difficulties often reveal themselves gradually. If left unaddressed, they can affect a child’s confidence, classroom participation, social skills, and learning outcomes.
Early support can prevent long-term frustration and give your child the tools to communicate more effectively at home, school, and beyond. Recognising the signs early means you can intervene when progress is most possible.
Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy
While every child is different, here are some common indicators that speech therapy might be helpful:
In Toddlers (1 to 3 years):
- Limited babbling or word use by 18 months
- Not following simple instructions (e.g., “get your shoes”)
- Trouble naming everyday items or people
- Difficulty imitating sounds or gestures
- Frequent tantrums due to communication frustration
In Preschoolers (3 to 5 years):
- Speech that’s difficult for unfamiliar adults to understand
- Ongoing errors in sound production (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)
- Short or incomplete sentences
- Trouble asking questions or telling simple stories
- Difficulty understanding or using new words
In School-Age Children (5+ years):
- Trouble reading aloud or understanding written instructions
- Noticeable stuttering or repetition of sounds
- Difficulty with sentence structure or grammar
- Challenges with classroom participation or peer conversations
- Avoiding speaking situations altogether
If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be worth consulting with a speech pathologist. A professional can help assess whether your child’s communication is developing within a typical range.
Speech and Language Milestones to Watch
These general guidelines can help you track your child’s progress:
- By age 2: Uses 50+ words, begins combining two words (e.g., “more juice”)
- By age 3: Uses three-word sentences, asks simple questions, 75% intelligible to others
- By age 4: Tells short stories, uses full sentences, answers simple who/what/where questions
- By age 5: Speaks clearly most of the time, uses future and past tense, joins conversations
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, early intervention is key. Speech therapy is most effective when integrated with daily routines, both at home and through structured sessions.
How Speech Pathologists Can Help
A certified speech pathologist can:
- Assess your child’s communication skills in detail
- Identify specific speech, language, or fluency challenges
- Develop a tailored therapy plan for home or school
- Provide strategies you can use between sessions
- Monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed
You don’t need a referral to speak with a speech pathologist. If you’re unsure, a short consultation can give you clarity and peace of mind.
When to Act
Waiting to “see if things improve” may feel reasonable, but often delays intervention. The earlier you understand what your child needs, the sooner you can support them effectively.
If you’re even slightly concerned about how your child speaks, listens, or communicates, trust your instinct. It’s always better to check than to wait.
Next Steps: Get Started Within 48 Hours
At CSpeak, we understand that when your child needs support, time matters. That’s why we offer online speech therapy in Australia with guaranteed commencement within 48 hours.
Our certified speech pathologists work with children of all ages and needs – from early signs of delay to ongoing support plans. Teletherapy sessions are conducted from the comfort of your home, with flexible scheduling to suit your routine.
Whether you’re looking for an initial assessment or ready to begin therapy, we’ll help you take that first step with confidence.
Book a free consultation today and find out if speech therapy could benefit your child.