Does My Child Need Speech Therapy? 7 Signs Parents Should Know

As a parent, you may sometimes wonder whether your child's speech and language development is progressing as expected. Maybe they're difficult to understand, struggle to find the right words, or become frustrated when trying to communicate.

Every child develops differently, but if you have ongoing concerns about your child's communication, speaking with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can help you understand their individual needs.

Here are seven signs that may be worth discussing with a professional.

1. Your Child Is Difficult to Understand

If you or others frequently have trouble understanding your child, they may be experiencing difficulties with speech sounds, articulation, or phonological development. An SLP can assess their speech and determine whether support may be helpful.

2. Your Child Has Difficulty Expressing Themselves

Your child may understand what others say but have difficulty communicating their own thoughts. You might notice that they:

• Have trouble finding the right words

• Use shorter or simpler sentences

• Struggle to describe events or tell stories

• Have difficulty explaining what they want or need

These can be signs of difficulties with expressive language.

3. Your Child Has Difficulty Understanding Language

Communication also involves understanding others. Some children may have difficulty following directions, understanding questions, or learning new vocabulary.

These skills are part of receptive language, and an assessment can help identify your child's strengths and areas for support.

4. Your Child Has Difficulty With Social Communication

Communication helps children interact, play, and connect with others. You may notice difficulties with taking turns, starting interactions, maintaining conversations, or using language during play.

An SLP can support play and social communication skills based on your child's individual needs.

5. Your Child Becomes Frustrated When Communicating

If your child frequently becomes frustrated or gives up when trying to communicate, it may be worth exploring why. Communication difficulties can sometimes make it challenging for children to express what they want or participate in conversations.

6. Your Child Has Difficulty With Fluency

Some children experience disruptions in the smooth flow of their speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. These can be associated with fluency difficulties such as stuttering.

An SLP can assess your child's fluency and provide appropriate guidance and support.

7. You Simply Have Concerns

You don't need to wait for a specific “red flag” before seeking professional guidance. If you're concerned about your child's speech, language, or communication, an assessment can help you better understand their development.

A comprehensive speech and language evaluation may look at areas such as speech sound production, receptive and expressive language, play and social skills, oral mechanism, vocal quality, and speech fluency.

How Can Speech Ally Help?

At Speech Ally, our pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists provide individualized, play-based assessments and therapy based on each child's needs.

Services may support areas including speech sounds, motor speech development, receptive and expressive language, fluency, developmental communication delays, phonological awareness, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Speech Ally offers flexible options, including in-clinic, in-home, and teletherapy.

If you have concerns about your child's communication, reaching out to an SLP can be a helpful first step toward understanding their strengths and finding the right support.

Every child is unique, and their care should be too.

Written by Serina Bhurani | Speech Ally