Recognising whether a child may need speech therapy involves considering their speech and language development compared to typical developmental milestones. It’s important to keep in mind that children develop at different rates, but there are general guidelines that can help you identify potential concerns.
Here are some signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy:
Speech Sound Development:
- Poor intelligibility for their age. As a general guideline, by the age of 2, you should be able to understand about 50% of what your child is saying. By the age of 3, you should be able to understand about 75% of their speech. By the age of 4, you should be able to understand almost everything they say.
- Difficulty pronouncing sounds appropriate for their age. Here is a chart to check what sounds your child should say at different ages.
Limited Vocabulary:
- A smaller vocabulary compared to peers of the same age.
- Difficulty learning and using new words.
Language Development:
- Delayed language development, such as using fewer words or shorter sentences than expected for their age.
- Difficulty understanding and following verbal instructions.
Fluency Issues:
- Stuttering or other fluency disorders that persist over time
Social Communication:
- Difficulty engaging in age-appropriate conversations.
- Challenges with turn-taking in conversation.
- Limited use of gestures or nonverbal communication.
Difficulty with Literacy Skills:
- Struggles with early reading and writing skills.
- Challenges with identifying sounds in a word, letter-sound relationships, or reading comprehension.
Persistent Problems:
- Ongoing difficulties that do not seem to resolve naturally over time.
- Frustration or emotional reactions related to communication challenges.
Ear Infections and Hearing Loss:
- Frequent ear infections or persistent hearing loss can impact speech and language development.
If you notice several of these signs or if your instincts as a parent tell you that something may be amiss, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. This could be your child’s pediatrician, a speech-language pathologist, or an early intervention specialist. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your child’s speech and language skills and determine if speech therapy is appropriate.
Early intervention is often crucial, as addressing speech and language concerns in the early years can significantly improve outcomes. If you have any doubts or concerns about your child’s communication development, seeking professional advice is a proactive step. You can contact us at Speak, Learn and Grow Speech Pathology Services on (02) 8522 7024 or fill in this form.
