When to Seek Speech Therapy for Your Toddler
- Jill Lese
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Every parent wants their child to thrive and unlock their full potential. One of the most important parts of early childhood development is communication—it’s how children share their ideas, learn new concepts, connect with others, and build confidence. If your toddler is having difficulty reaching speech and language milestones, you may be wondering: “When should I seek speech therapy?” The good news is that early intervention can make a world of a difference. With the right support, children learn how to communicate their needs, reduce daily frustration, and experience the joy of being understood.
Understanding Speech and Language Milestones (12 Months to 3 Years)
From the moment your child is born, they begin absorbing language and communication cues from their environment. While every child develops at their own page, here’s a quick look at what to expect between 12 months and 3 years:
By 12 months: Babbling with meaning, pointing and gesturing, acquiring first words, like “mama," “dada," "bye" or "ball"
By 18 months: Using around 10–25 words, following simple directions, such as “come here” or "clap hands"
By 2 years: Saying 50+ words and combining them into two-word phrases like “more juice” or “big truck,” begins to follow two-step directions such as "get your coat and put it on"
By 3 years: Vocabulary expands to about 200 words, speaking in short sentences, answering simple questions like “What's this?”or "Who's that?"
Recognizing these milestones helps you track your child’s growth and spot potential concerns early on.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention can make a critical difference in your child’s communication journey. Research shows that children who receive speech therapy earlier often have better long-term outcomes. In fact, some studies suggest early support can reduce the likelihood of persistent speech disorders by as much as 50%.
Why? Because young brains are especially adaptable. The toddler years are a golden window for learning language—making it the best time to address communication delays. Early support not only strengthens speech and language, but also boosts social skills, emotional well-being, and future academic success.
Avoiding the “Wait and See” Approach
It’s common for pediatricians or family members to suggest a “wait and see” approach. And while many children do catch up on their own, others may fall further behind—widening the gap between them and their peers. Checking in with a speech-language pathologist doesn’t mean committing to therapy right away—it simply gives you more information about your child’s communication skills. An evaluation can help you understand where your child is now, what to expect next, and whether any support might be helpful.
At Early Bird Speech Therapy, our philosophy is simple: earlier support leads to better outcomes.
Signs Your Toddler May Benefit from Speech Therapy
Here are some common indicators that your toddler may need extra support:
Limited vocabulary: Fewer than 50 words by age 2, or fewer than 200 words by age 3.
Difficulty combining words: Not yet putting two words together by age 2.
Struggling to follow directions: Trouble understanding or following simple instructions like “give me the ball.”
Limited interest in communication: Rarely initiating play, limited gestures, not attempting to interact with others.
Frustration when communicating: Frequent tantrums or upset when trying to express needs.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be time to connect with a speech-language pathologist.
Taking Action Towards Communication Growth
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child. Understanding milestones, recognizing when support is needed, and acting early can shape your child’s future success in school, friendships, and beyond. Don’t let “wait and see” hold you back. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts—early action can make all the difference.
At Early Bird Speech Therapy, we’re here to guide you with play-based, family-centered care that helps your child’s communication take flight.
