Parent Resources

When Should My Child See a Speech Therapist?

Every child develops at their own pace, but here are some general milestones to help you know if your child is on track:

• By Age 2 — Uses 50+ words, combines two words (e.g. "more juice")
• By Age 3 — Uses 3–4 word sentences; strangers understand most of their speech
• By Age 4 — Tells simple stories; speech is mostly clear
• By Age 5 — Uses complex sentences; pronunciation is clear

Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child:

• Isn't meeting milestones for their age
• Gets frustrated when trying to communicate
• Has difficulty being understood by family or peers
• Avoids talking or seems shy about speaking
• Stutters or repeats sounds frequently
• Has difficulty following directions

Common Speech & Language Concerns

Speech therapy helps children develop communication skills through play-based activities and specialized techniques. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with your child to improve:

• Speech sounds — Pronouncing words clearly
• Language skills — Understanding and using words to express thoughts
• Social communication — Taking turns in conversation and understanding social cues

Speech therapy isn't just about "fixing" problems — it's about giving your child the tools to express themselves confidently.

What to Expect from Speech Therapy

Finding the right support for your child's speech development can feel overwhelming. Here's what the journey typically looks like, so you know what to expect.

• Initial Evaluation — A speech-language pathologist assesses your child's communication skills to understand their strengths and areas for growth
• Treatment Plan — Based on the evaluation, the SLP creates personalised goals tailored to your child
• Regular Sessions — Therapy uses play-based activities and specialised techniques, typically 1–2 times per week
• Home Practice — Your therapist will share activities to practice between sessions to support progress
• Progress Reviews — Regular check-ins to adjust goals and celebrate milestones along the way