22 Reasons You or Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Clear communication is essential for learning, connection, and confidence—but what happens when speech or language doesn't come easily? For many children and adults, speech therapy can be a life-changing intervention. But how do you know when it’s time to seek help?

This article explores the common signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy, breaks down typical speech and language milestones in children, and provides guidance for parents, adults, and educators who want to take the next step.

For a video call with a licensed speech therapist now, download The Guided App on your smartphone at https://theguidedapp.com/ and get your questions answered immediately.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a form of treatment provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in helping people with communication, language, and swallowing challenges. They work with people of all ages to:

• Improve speech clarity and pronunciation

• Develop or recover language skills

• Address fluency issues like stuttering

• Strengthen social communication abilities

• Treat voice disorders or vocal strain

• Help with feeding or swallowing difficulties

Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Children develop communication skills at different rates, but certain red flags may indicate the need for evaluation. Below are common signs to watch for at various stages:

Early Childhood (Ages 1–3)

• Not babbling by 12 months

• Not using gestures (waving, pointing) by 12–15 months

• Fewer than 10 words by 18 months

• Not combining two words (e.g., “more juice”) by age 2

• Difficulty understanding simple directions

• Frustration due to inability to communicate needs

Preschool and Early School Age (Ages 4–7)

• Speech is difficult for strangers to understand after age 3

• Substituting or omitting sounds (e.g., saying “tup” instead of “cup”)

• Stuttering or repeating syllables frequently

• Trouble following multi-step directions

• Difficulty telling stories or answering questions

• Limited vocabulary or poor sentence structure for age

Social and Academic Issues

• Struggles with classroom participation

• Difficulty making friends due to unclear speech or social communication challenges

• Reading and writing delays, especially with comprehension

Signs an Adult May Need Speech Therapy

Speech and language challenges aren’t just for children. Adults may experience issues due to neurological events (like a stroke or brain injury), progressive conditions (like Parkinson’s or ALS), or long-standing difficulties that were never addressed.

You May Benefit From Speech Therapy If You:

• Suddenly have trouble speaking clearly (slurred or slowed speech)

• Struggle to find words or express thoughts (aphasia)

• Experience stuttering or speech blocks that disrupt communication

• Are told your voice is too hoarse, strained, or weak

• Have trouble understanding spoken or written language

• Notice changes in speech due to aging or illness

• Want to improve public speaking, accent reduction, or confidence

Speech vs. Language: What’s the Difference?

It's helpful to understand the distinction between speech and language, as therapy may address one or both.

Speech

Language

How we produce sounds

How we use words to communicate

Involves articulation, fluency, and voice

Involves vocabulary, grammar, comprehension

Example issue: lisp or stuttering

Example issue: limited vocabulary or trouble forming sentences

Typical Speech and Language Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but the following milestones can help you determine if your child is on track—or may need support.

By Age 1:

• Responds to name

• Understands basic words like “no” and “bye-bye”

• Babbles and imitates sounds

• Uses gestures to communicate

By Age 2:

• Uses 50+ words

• Combines two words (e.g., “more milk”)

• Follows simple instructions like “get your shoes”

• Points to common objects when named

By Age 3:

• Uses 3- to 4-word sentences

• Speech is understood by familiar adults most of the time

• Asks questions

• Understands location words (in, on, under)

By Age 4:

• Speech is understood by strangers

• Tells simple stories

• Uses adult-like grammar in many sentences

• Follows multi-step instructions

By Age 5:

• Speaks clearly in full sentences

• Participates in conversations

• Understands time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow)

• Uses descriptive language

If your child is significantly behind in these areas, it’s worth consulting with a speech-language pathologist.

When to Get an Evaluation

You don't need to "wait and see" if you have concerns. In fact, early intervention is one of the best predictors of success in speech and language development.

If you or your child is experiencing any of the signs listed above, consider the following steps:

1. Speak to your doctor or pediatrician. They can offer guidance and referrals.

2. Request a speech and language evaluation. This can be done privately or through school systems or early intervention programs (for children under 3).

3. Work with a certified speech-language pathologist. They will assess communication skills and determine if therapy is recommended.

Supporting Communication at Home

While a professional evaluation is important, there are things you can do in the meantime to support speech and language development:

• Talk often with your child or loved one—narrate your day, describe objects, ask questions.

• Read books together and encourage pointing, repetition, and discussion.

• Model clear speech and correct gently by repeating words back the right way (e.g., child says “wabbit,” you say “Yes, rabbit!”).

• Limit screen time and prioritize real-world interactions.

• Be patient and encouraging—frustration can make communication harder.

Final Thoughts

Speech therapy isn’t just for those with obvious communication challenges. Subtle delays or disruptions can have a significant impact on confidence, learning, and social interactions—but the good news is that speech therapy can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a parent noticing your toddler isn’t talking as much as others, a teacher concerned about a student’s pronunciation, or an adult struggling with fluency or voice changes, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If in doubt, trust your instincts and seek a professional evaluation. When it comes to communication, earlier support leads to stronger outcomes.

Checklist: Signs You or Your Child May Need Speech Therapy
Limited vocabulary for age
Speech is difficult to understand
Trouble following directions
Repeating sounds or stuttering
Frustration when trying to communicate
Sudden speech changes after illness or injury
Strained, hoarse, or weak voice
Difficulty telling stories or forming sentences

Want a video call with a speech therapist to ask questions or discuss further? Download The Guided App at https://theguidedapp.com/ and have a video call with a licensed speech therapist now!

This article is generated by AI. For comments, questions, or other inquiries, please reach at [email protected].