How to Know if Your Child Has a Speech Issue and What to Do Next

Every parent wants their child to thrive and communicate effectively. But sometimes, it can be challenging to determine if your child’s speech development is on track or if they might need extra support. This guide will walk you through the key milestones in speech and language development, signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to help your child succeed. By identifying potential speech issues early and seeking appropriate interventions, you can set your child on a path toward confident communication and lifelong learning.

Child Development: Speech Milestones

• Most children say their first words around 1 year of age (e.g., “ball, mom, dog”).
• Children typically combine words (e.g., “hi mom, bye dad, more milk”) around 2 years of age.
• At 3 years of age, most children are approximately 75% intelligible with their speech sounds.
• At 4 years of age, most children are approximately 80-100% intelligible with their speech.

Child Development: Expressive Language Milestones

• Expressive Language refers to "what you are able to communicate to get your needs met."
• This varies depending on the child’s age but focuses on communicating basic needs, such as:
  • Hunger, indicating they need food or snacks.
  • Thirst, signaling they need water or a drink.
  • Bathroom needs, ensuring they can request help when necessary.
  • Wants or dislikes, helping them express preferences or discomfort clearly.

Child Development: Receptive Language

• Receptive language is vital for learning and encompasses a child’s ability to understand language and comprehend tasks.
• Examples include:
  • Following directions (e.g., “go get your shoes”), which helps them navigate daily routines and tasks.
  • Answering questions in books (e.g., “where is Clifford going?”), fostering their ability to engage with stories and develop critical thinking skills.
• Speech-language pathologists work with children to strengthen their receptive language, laying a strong foundation for learning and future success.

When to Get Help: The Earlier, the Better!

It might be a good idea to get an evaluation if your child is having difficulties with:

• Communicating their needs using words
• Following age-appropriate directions
• Playing with peers and interacting socially

Early intervention can provide the tools and strategies needed for long-term improvement and better outcomes.

Steps to Get Help

1. Check in with Your Pediatrician
   • Your pediatrician is a great resource of support and wants to hear your concerns about your child’s development.
   • They can recommend pediatric therapy, such as speech therapy, which may be covered by your insurance, making it more accessible for families.
2. Consider Early Intervention Support Services
   • Birth to 5 years old is a pivotal time for children to receive support, as their brains are highly adaptable and receptive to learning.
   • Many counties offer early childhood programs at no cost, such as:
     • Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP)
     • Northwest Regional Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education
     • Clackamas Education Service District Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)
3. Explore Private Practices for Individualized Care
   • Private practices often take insurance, including Medicaid, and can answer your questions about treatment options.
   • Clinicians in private practices have specialized training to help children with their specific speech needs, offering personalized care plans.
   • Reputable clinics will provide a home program along with tips and tricks for use outside the clinic, empowering parents to support their child’s progress at home.
   • For more information, visit www.parkwoodclinic.com.

What to Expect from Speech Therapy and Early Intervention

• Happy, confident kids! Speech therapy aims to build confidence and improve communication skills, enabling children to express themselves more effectively.
• Families feeling less stressed and more supported in their child’s journey, as they receive guidance and resources tailored to their needs.
• The goal is to generalize skills so children and families can apply new skills in their everyday lives and communities, creating lasting improvements in their quality of life.