When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Speech Development?

As parents, we eagerly await our child’s first words. But what happens when speech and language development doesn’t seem to be progressing as expected? Knowing what’s typical—and when to seek help—can make all the difference.

At Catalina Speech Therapy, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. However, certain red flags may indicate the need for a professional speech evaluation. This guide will help you understand key milestones, warning signs, and what to do if you’re concerned.

Speech & Language Milestones by Age

The chart below highlights general speech and language milestones by age:

*Milestone chart by age*

👉 Not sure if your child is on track? A speech therapist can help assess their progress and provide guidance.

Red Flags That May Indicate a Speech or Language Delay

If you notice any of the following signs at any age, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation:

🚩 No babbling or cooing by 6 months
🚩 No words by 12-15 months
🚩 Lack of gestures (waving, pointing) by 12 months
🚩 Struggles to imitate sounds or words
🚩 Limited eye contact or interaction with others
🚩 Frustration when trying to communicate
🚩 Speech that is very difficult to understand after age 3
🚩 Regression (loss of previously learned words or skills)

What Should I Do If I’m Concerned?

1️⃣ Trust your instincts – If you feel something isn’t right, don’t wait! Early intervention is key.
2️⃣ Schedule a speech evaluation – A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess your child’s communication skills. At Catalina Speech therapy, we have speech language pathologists ready to address your child’s needs!
3️⃣ Encourage language at home – Talk, read, and play with your child daily to support their speech development.
4️⃣ Seek support – Catalina Speech Therapy offers private speech therapy tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Early support leads to big progress! If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation!