Your child’s first three years are full of growing, changing, and learning. You may have heard that “kids are like sponges,” and it is true. They learn by observing and absorbing information from their surroundings, so they develop these skills best in an environment full of sounds, sights, vocabulary, and speech and language exposure.
Even in an ideal environment, though, some children still struggle to gain words and communicate effectively. Perhaps your child communicates mostly through gestures. Maybe they were babbling and saying words, then suddenly stopped. It can be hard to know whether to wait and see or seek a professional opinion, especially if your child is one of the many late talkers parents worry about. Below, we cover speech and language milestones and when to reach out for extra support.
What Speech and Language Milestones Should I Look For?
It is genuinely difficult to tell the difference between typical development and a delay. Every child grows at their own pace, so it never hurts to raise concerns with your child’s pediatrician at any point along the way.
According to ASHA’s typical speech and language development milestones, a child should be babbling by six months old. By their first birthday, they should have said their first real word. Between their first and second birthdays, their vocabulary should grow steadily and they should use words more often. By age two, they should be putting words together to communicate.
The following year brings a lot of growth. By age three, children should communicate clearly with others and say sentences with four or more words. At this point, they should have developed many sounds and be easily understood by family and friends. For more detail, see our guides to speech and language milestones at every age and how much your two-year-old should be talking.
My Child Is Delayed in Developing These Skills. What Is My Next Step?
If you notice your child falling behind, bring it up at their next doctor appointment. Your doctor will likely refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP will discuss your child’s communication, use assessments to evaluate them, and determine next steps. If appropriate, they may recommend weekly therapy sessions along with activities to practice at home.
Why “Wait and See” Is Risky
Many parents lean toward a “wait and see” approach, believing their child will eventually catch up to peers on their own. While that is true in some cases, it never hurts to consult a professional about your child’s overall development. Research has shown that early intervention is crucial. Because a child’s first three years are packed with learning and growth, getting help early has proven so beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a late talker?
A late talker is a young child who has fewer words than expected for their age but is otherwise developing typically. Some late talkers catch up on their own. Others have a language delay that needs support, and an evaluation is the best way to tell the difference.
Should I be worried if my child stopped talking or babbling?
Yes, it is worth a call. When a child loses words or sounds they once used, bring it up with your pediatrician right away and ask about an evaluation. Early answers matter.
Do I need a referral to see a speech-language pathologist?
Often you can start with a screening or evaluation by contacting our team directly. Your pediatrician can also refer you. Either way, we are happy to help you find answers. For more on what to expect, read about talking to your baby.
How ETLC Can Help
If you are wondering whether your child’s language development is on track, our speech-language pathologists are here to help you find answers and support. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about early intervention at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- What Is Early Intervention and When Should My Child Be Evaluated?
- Talking to Your Baby: 4 FAQs About Early Language
- Toddler Talk: 7 Tips to Increase Language Development
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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