The Best Age for Speech Therapy
Language development happens very quickly when you think about it! Babies go from making little sounds like cooing to speaking in sentences in just 2 to 3 years. It’s so exciting and fun to watch. But the quick pace of language development means our kids can fall behind just as fast.
If you’re worried your child isn’t meeting milestones and wondering when’s the right time or the best age for speech therapy, keep reading. This post breaks down milestones, why they matter, what to do if your child doesn’t meet them, and how to know if it’s time for speech therapy.
Why Milestones Matter
How do we know whether or not a child’s language development is on track? We use milestones: Skills or behaviors that 90% of children typically demonstrate within a specific age range. We don’t want to stress about milestones too much, but it is important to be aware of them.
Developmentally speaking, there are milestones for basically everything. Things like growth, movement and physical development, literacy, and, yes, speech and language! If you’re curious about speech milestones and whether or not your child is meeting them, our free language milestones checklist will be really helpful for you. We recommend downloading it now and starting here when it comes to deciding whether or not your child may need speech therapy.
Comparing Your Child To Others
We know it can be unnerving to notice that your friend’s child, who’s the same age as yours, seems to be doing more than your child can. Comparison and panic can creep in quickly. You can feel like it’s your fault, or like you’ve done something wrong as the parent.
But, we want you to know that children all develop at different paces. There’s such a wide range for what’s typical! That child might just be really advanced with language, which could mean they’re behind on something else that your child is excelling at. Remember that you’re doing great, and try not to compare between your child and someone else’s. And, even if your child does fall behind slightly at some point, it won’t be your fault!
If you’re worried about your child, come back to the milestones checklist and decide whether or not you feel your child needs support based on what they are doing or not doing. Not based on what another child does.
When To See A Speech and Language Therapist
It’s best to seek a speech and language assessment as soon as you notice that your child isn’t meeting communication milestones. We know the idea of speech therapy can sound and feel a bit scary for some parents. But, as a speech therapists with over 22 years’ experience combined under our belts, We can assure you that it’s really just about gathering information and learning about your child.
During an assessment, your speech-language pathologist will get to know you and your child. They’ll assess which communication skills are your child’s biggest strengths, and which ones they may need more support with. And, they’ll do it all in a child-friendly way that keeps them engaged and entertained. (Don’t worry, we know what kids are like. We don’t expect them to sit still for a whole hour!)
Related: 3 Things To Know Before Your Toddler Starts Speech Therapy
What Age Should Speech Therapy Begin?
The best age for speech therapy is the age your child is at when they start to fall behind, or when you notice they’re not meeting milestones. It’s never too early or too late to start therapy.
Children who aren’t speaking at all are commonly referred for speech and language assessments around 18 months of age. But, it’s absolutely possible for children to start at a younger age. Children born with a disability often start therapy as babies. It’s also possible for children to start when they’re older! Sometimes the start of preschool or school brings light to possible concerns that no one may have noticed before.
Related: The Importance of Early Intervention
What If I’m Stuck On A Waitlist?
Depending on where you live, there may be a waitlist for speech therapy. But, if your family has to wait, we don’t want you to panic about your child starting too late. There are so many things you can do to support language development at-home in the meantime!
Our TalkToddler course and Songs+Stories membership are a great place to start. These are also super helpful alongside therapy or for families who want to be proactive. Which is what we encourage!
When To Get a Speech and Language Assessment
Again, as soon as you notice that your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones, we recommend seeking a speech and language assessment.
As speech therapists ourselves, we strongly encourage you to take a proactive rather than reactive approach when it comes to your toddlers' communication skills. Parents always tell us they wish they got started sooner. They never regret being proactive.
Don’t “Wait And See”
Some pediatricians will recommend waiting to see if the language skills your child is behind on will develop on their own. But we can tell you with certainty that this is not recommended, and it’s not the best way forward.
While it is true that some kids will “catch up” on their own, we have no way of knowing who will or who will not. This is why we encourage all families of young children to be proactive when it comes to seeking support for their child’s language development and learning what they can do at home.
Support Language Development at Home with Wee Talkers
A big part of speech therapy for toddlers is parent coaching. Your speech pathologist is with your child for such a short period of time in the scheme of things. You spend much more time with them! If you’re incorporating speech therapy strategies throughout your day, your child will make better progress.
Our TalkToddler course and Songs+Stories membership give you the information, support, and guidance you need to support your child at home.
Whether you’re working with your child:
Proactively (High 5!)
Before getting a speech and language evaluation
While you sit on a waitlist
To supplement your current speech therapy sessions
After your sessions are done
...or at any other time, and for any other reason, Wee Talkers can support your child by giving you the tools you need to help them thrive!
Reference:
Girolametto, L., Wiigs, M., Smyth, R., Weitzman, E., & Pearce, P. S. (2001). Children with a history of expressive language delay: Outcomes at 5 years of age. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 10, 358-369.