Statistics show, 1 in 12 children between the age of 3 and 17, have some type of speech or language disorder. At some time, most parents wonder if their child is keeping up with their classmates or friends. While children develop at their own pace, how do you know when it is time to seek help so they don’t fall behind. 

Signs your child can benefit from speech therapy 

Social Interaction 

At a very young age, children learn to interact and communicate. Here is a guideline of social interaction to help determine if your child can benefit from speech therapy. 

Birth to 3 months 

Makes cooing sounds

Seems to recognize your voice

One to two years old 

Points to objects when you ask

Able to respond to simple questions

Starting to ask questions, such as “What’s that?”

Two to three years old

Understands opposites like up and down

Uses two to three words to ask for things 

Asks “Why?”

People who know your little one can understand them 

Three to four years old 

Can respond to you when called from another room

Answer simple questions, who, what, where 

Able to put four word sentences together 

Four to five years old 

Understands order words, first, next, and last

Follow directions that are longer, “ put your toys away, brush your teeth, and pick pout a book”

Know names, numbers, and letters

Keeps a conversation going

Able to tell a short story

Vocabulary 

On average, children 18 months old know 20 words. By the time they are 2 years old they should know 30 more. If your child isn’t understanding and using new words regularly, they may benefit from speech therapy. 

Early Sentences

Simple sentences, with two or more words should start around two years old. Such as, “mommy play” or “play outside”. If your child has a difficult time building sentences, speech therapy can help.

Understanding What Your Child Says

If you notice family members or other people are struggling to understand your 3 year old, language therapy can help.

If you have any concerns about the development of your child’s speech or language, contact First Words Therapy. We are happy to help with any concerns or answer any questions.