As parents, we’re constantly on the lookout for signs that our children are growing and developing as expected. Their first smile, their first steps, and, of course, their first words are all exciting milestones. But what if those first words don’t come when expected? Or what if your child seems to struggle with communication as they grow older? That’s when understanding speech therapy milestones becomes essential.

We’ll explore typical speech and language milestones, what to do if your child isn’t meeting them, and when it might be time to seek help from a speech pathology professional.

Understanding Typical Speech Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are certain speech and language milestones that most children reach by specific ages. These milestones give us a general idea of what’s typical – and they can help parents and caregivers identify potential delays.

Here’s a quick look at common speech and language milestones:

1. By 12 Months: Your child may start babbling (“ba-ba” or “da-da”) and saying a few simple words like “mama” or “ball.” They’ll also respond to their name and understand basic instructions like “wave bye-bye.”

2. By 18 Months: At this stage, most toddlers have a vocabulary of about 10–20 words and can combine simple words, such as “want milk.” They also begin to understand more complex instructions.

3. By 2 Years: Your child’s vocabulary will grow significantly, often to 50 words or more. They may start forming simple two- or three-word sentences like “I want toy” and should be able to follow simple directions.

4. By 3 Years: By now, your child may be speaking in longer sentences and should be easier to understand, even by people who don’t know them well. They’ll ask lots of questions and have conversations with you.

When Should You Be Concerned?

It’s normal for children to hit milestones at slightly different times. However, there are some red flags that may suggest your child could benefit from child speech pathology. Here are a few signs to look out for:

1. Little to No Babbling by 12 Months: If your baby isn’t babbling or making sounds by their first birthday, it may be worth checking in with a professional.

2. Limited Vocabulary at 18–24 Months: If your child isn’t using any words by 18 months or has fewer than 10 words at 2 years old, they may be experiencing a delay.

3. Difficulty Being Understood at Age 3: By the time your child is three, people outside the family should be able to understand most of what they say. If that’s not the case, it may be a sign of a speech or language issue.

4. Struggles with Social Interaction: Speech therapy isn’t just about words – it’s also about how we use language to communicate and connect with others. If your child struggles with eye contact, taking turns in conversation, or understanding social cues, it could indicate a need for support.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

Speech therapy, led by a qualified speech pathologist, can be life-changing for children with speech and language delays. Speech pathologists work closely with children and their families to improve communication skills in a fun, engaging way. This might involve activities to encourage sound production, expand vocabulary, or build social interaction skills.

One key point to remember is that early intervention is crucial. The sooner a child receives speech therapy, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Speech therapy can help children catch up to their peers, gain confidence, and thrive both at home and in school.

Your Speech Therapy Questions Answered

1. What is the difference between speech therapy and speech pathology?
Speech therapy and speech pathology are essentially the same. A speech pathologist is a professional who provides speech therapy. They work with children and adults to address issues with speech, language, and communication.

2. My child hasn’t started talking yet. Should I be worried?
If your child isn’t using any words by 18 months, it may be time to seek advice from a speech pathologist. While some children are “late talkers” and catch up on their own, others may need a little extra help.

3. Can speech therapy help with other issues, like stuttering or difficulty swallowing?
Yes! Speech pathologists can help with a range of issues beyond speech delays, including stuttering, voice disorders, and even feeding and swallowing problems.

4. How long does it take to see progress with speech therapy?
This depends on the child and the nature of their speech or language issue. Some children may make quick progress, while others may need ongoing support. Your speech pathologist will assess your child and create a personalised plan to help them reach their goals.

As parents, it’s natural to worry if your child isn’t meeting speech and language milestones. But the good news is that help is available. Speech therapy can make a world of difference, and early intervention is key. If you’re concerned about your child’s communication skills, don’t hesitate to reach out to a speech pathologist – they’re there to support your child’s development and give you peace of mind.