Speech Therapy for
Children & Toddlers with DrSensory Featured Speech Therapists

Speech therapy for children and toddlers is essential for developing communication skills and building confidence, enabling them to express themselves effectively in their daily interactions.

Book a Consultation

What is Speech Therapy for Toddlers?

Speech therapy is an essential intervention that supports children across a wide range of ages and abilities in improving their communication skills. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating various speech and language issues. They work closely with toddlers who may be experiencing speech delays or disorders, as well as children facing language disorders that hinder their ability to articulate or understand spoken language. These communication challenges can significantly impact a child’s capacity to share their thoughts, feelings, and needs with others, potentially affecting their social interactions and academic performance. An SLP conducts comprehensive assessments to evaluate speech development, providing tailored strategies and activities designed to foster effective communication skills. This collaborative approach not only aids in addressing any existing challenges but also empowers parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to support their child’s ongoing progress.

Book a Consultation

Typical Milestones in Speech
and Language Development

Although children’s developmental timelines can vary greatly and environmental influences significantly impact their speech growth, it may be worthwhile to consult with a pediatric speech-language pathologist if your child is not adhering to conventional language development benchmarks:

Newborn - 1 Year

0-3 Months
In the first three months of life, infants experience rapid growth in their speech and language capabilities, achieving several key milestones. At this early stage, babies begin to coo and produce gurgling sounds, marking their initial efforts at vocal expression while also reacting to various sounds, which shows their emerging awareness of the auditory environment. Newborns utilize different cry types to communicate needs, such as hunger, discomfort, or seeking attention, and express emotions through a range of facial expressions in response to the stimuli around them. By around three months, infants typically turn their heads toward familiar voices and noises, indicating their developing auditory processing skills.

4-6 Months
During the 4 to 6-month stage, infants continue to progress in their speech and language development, achieving several important milestones. At this age, babies begin to produce a wider variety of sounds, including simple consonant-vowel combinations such as “ba,” “da,” and “ma,” showcasing their emerging ability to experiment with vocalization. They start to engage in more purposeful babbling and may imitate sounds they hear in their environment, reflecting their growing auditory skills. Additionally, infants become more responsive to the conversations around them, displaying excitement and engagement through cooing and laughter. They also enhance their ability to recognize familiar words and phrases, particularly those that consistently relate to caregivers or daily routines, laying the groundwork for future language acquisition.

7 – 12 Months
As infants move into the 7 to 12-month stage, they undergo significant development in speech and language, characterized by meaningful babbling and the emergence of their first words. During this time, babies frequently produce repeated consonant-vowel combinations like “baba” and “dada,” which take on significance as they begin to link these sounds to important people or objects in their environment. They also show an increasing understanding of social cues through gestures such as pointing and waving, which help them express their wants and needs more effectively. By this age, many infants can comprehend simple commands, reflecting their rapidly advancing cognitive and linguistic capabilities. This developmental phase is crucial for enhancing communication skills, with parents encouraged to participate in engaging interactions that support their child’s journey in language acquisition. Infants will start to turn their heads in response to sounds and recognize their names, follow pointing gestures, and understand familiar words like “milk,” “dad,” and “car.” They will partake in social games such as “peek-a-boo” and begin to string together sounds, producing sequences like “babababa” to attract attention. Around their first birthday, they will often articulate single words like “hi” and “Mama,” though their pronunciation may still be unclear.

1 - 2 Years

During the 1 to 2-year stage, toddlers experience exciting advancements in their speech and language development, as they begin to expand their vocabulary and use language more purposefully. By the end of this period, many children will have a vocabulary of around 50 to 100 words, including nouns, verbs, and simple adjectives. They will start to combine two words to form basic phrases, such as “more juice” or “big truck,” demonstrating an understanding of word relationships. This age marks the emergence of imaginative play, where language is often used to enhance storytelling and interact with peers. Additionally, children become adept at imitating sounds and rhythms, showcasing their auditory skills. They will also increasingly use gestures to complement their verbal communication, allowing them to express a wider range of needs and emotions. As they engage with caregivers and peers, consistent encouragement and interaction will further support their rapid language development, paving the way for more complex speech patterns in the future.

2 - 4 Years

As children progress into the 2 to 4-year stage, they continue to make remarkable strides in their speech and language development, typically reaching several key milestones. By age two, toddlers often have a vocabulary of 200 to 300 words and can combine two to three words into simple sentences, such as “want cookie” or “go park,” showcasing their burgeoning ability to express thoughts and desires more clearly. As they approach age three, their vocabulary expands rapidly, often exceeding 1,000 words, and they begin to engage in more complex sentences, using grammar rules instinctively. Children in this age range also develop storytelling skills, often relaying short narratives about their experiences, which enhances their cognitive abilities and helps them connect with others. They become more proficient in asking questions and using language to negotiate play with peers, while also displaying improved pronunciation and articulation. Encouraging these language skills through interactive conversations, reading together, and play-based activities supports their continued linguistic growth and social confidence. Overall, the 2 to 4-year stage is a crucial time for children’s speech and language development, building upon the foundation set in earlier stages and preparing them for further advancements as they enter school.

Beyond the age of four, children continue to refine their language skills, expanding their vocabulary and grammatical abilities while honing their social communication skills. As they enter school and interact with a wider range of people, their linguistic capabilities are put to the test, allowing for continued growth and refinement. It is common for children at this age to begin using more complex sentence structures, including compound sentences and clauses, demonstrating their grasp of more advanced grammar rules. They also start to understand jokes and abstract language, showing their cognitive development is closely intertwined with their linguistic abilities. Encouraging a love for reading and writing at this stage can further support their communication skills, allowing them to express themselves creatively and effectively. As they continue to engage in social interactions, children will also develop more empathy and understanding of others’ perspectives, leading to improved communication and relationships with peers. By the time they reach school age, children have come a long way from their first babbling sounds as infants, showcasing the remarkable potential for growth and development in speech and language during these crucial stages.

Book a Consultation

Should Others Be Able to
Understand my Toddler?

As toddlers progress in their speech and language development, it’s natural for parents to wonder whether others can understand their child’s words and expressions. At approximately age two, toddlers are typically able to convey their thoughts and needs with a vocabulary of around 200 to 300 words, but their pronunciation and articulation may still be developing. While caregivers and family members are often privy to their unique speech patterns, strangers may find it challenging to comprehend what a toddler is saying. This emphasizes the importance of regular communication practice, as consistent interaction with a variety of people helps improve clarity. By age four, others should understand your toddler nearly 100% of the time with the percentage being approximately 75% by age three. Encouraging children to articulate their thoughts and providing positive reinforcement can further enhance their language skills, ultimately paving the way for better understanding by others as they grow. Furthermore, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and making mistakes can significantly contribute to their confidence and communicative ability.

By understanding these foundational milestones, parents can effectively track their child’s developmental journey and discern when it may be necessary to seek further assessment or intervention.

Book a Consultation

How to Know if Your Toddler
Needs Speech Therapy

Speech-Sound Disorders

Children with speech sound disorders frequently struggle to make themselves understood. Although they may clearly know what they wish to express, their unclear speech can result in others having difficulty comprehending their words. This communication gap can lead to significant frustration for both the child and those around them.

If you observe that your child is making speech errors that aren’t typical for their age group, it could be beneficial to consult with a Speech Pathologist. They can assess your child’s speech patterns and identify specific sounds or areas where additional support may be necessary during therapy sessions.

Expressive Language

Expressive language encompasses a child’s ability to convey their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas effectively. Some children may face challenges when it comes to utilizing new vocabulary, forming sentences, and employing age-appropriate grammar or sentence structure. These difficulties can hinder a child’s capacity to express themselves clearly, which is essential for successful communication with others. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging language use through play and conversation, caregivers can help enhance their child’s expressive language skills and boost their confidence in communication.

Receptive Language

Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to comprehend and process language. Children who experience difficulties with receptive language may struggle with understanding vocabulary, following instructions, and responding to questions. This can significantly impact their overall communication and learning abilities. Speech therapists are equipped to provide support in this area, addressing concerns related to vocal quality, stuttering, social skills, play interactions, and more. By working with a speech therapist, parents can help ensure that their child develops the necessary skills to effectively understand and engage in communication with others.

How Does Speech Therapy
for Toddlers Help?

Speech therapy for toddlers is specifically crafted to foster their communication skills within a supportive and structured setting. This therapeutic approach prioritizes several essential areas, including improving articulation, broadening vocabulary, refining sentence structure, and cultivating effective verbal interactions. Through tailored, play-based activities, speech therapists engage young children in enjoyable exercises that facilitate natural language use and comprehension. Methods such as games, storytelling, and songs are often employed to enhance language processing and stimulate expressive capabilities. Furthermore, therapists equip parents and caregivers with strategies and tools to reinforce learning at home, establishing a stable language-development environment. The ultimate goal of speech therapy is to empower toddlers with the confidence to communicate clearly and participate effectively in social interactions. Typically, speech therapy for children can be seen as targeted practice in speech and language, adapted to address the specific speech disorder of the child. Although the practice differs from adult speech therapy, the foundational principles remain consistent. Treatment plans are heavily influenced by the individual condition, yet they share two common elements: the necessity for repetition and practice at home.

Consistent engagement is crucial in overcoming speech disorders, as it helps to build the right speech habits in toddlers, children, and adults alike. Pediatric therapy often includes one-on-one sessions that concentrate on correcting frequently mispronounced, interjected, or blocked sounds and words, targeting the child’s specific speech challenges effectively. Engaging with the strategies recommended by the speech-language pathologist (SLP) outside of therapy sessions is highly beneficial. The more practice devoted to these techniques, the greater the likelihood of overcoming the speech disorder. In the long run, successfully addressing a speech disorder can lead to reduced feelings of embarrassment and frustration, along with a notable boost in a child’s confidence. This improvement in communication skills can significantly enhance interactions with peers and have a positive effect on both their personal and future professional life.

Book a Consultation

How Does A Speech Therapist
Evaluate A Toddler?

A speech therapist may evaluate a toddler through various approaches, depending on the specific focus of the evaluation. For instance, if a child has been referred due to concerns regarding their language development and whether they are achieving certain language milestones, the evaluation process might include the following steps:
  • The evaluation process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the therapist gathers vital information regarding the child’s developmental history, family dynamics, and specific communication concerns. This discussion often involves engaging with parents and caregivers to obtain a clearer picture of the child’s language exposure, social interactions, and any observed difficulties. This discussion likely includes details about their developmental milestones. Questions may address the child's health history, birth history, and any family history of language disorders.
  • To gain a deeper understanding of a toddler's communication skills, some speech therapists may prefer to observe the child in their everyday surroundings. The speech therapist may assess natural communication dynamics by watching how the child engages with their peers, interacts with their parent or caregiver, and potentially with siblings if they are available.
  • If the speech therapist identifies any concerns, they may move forward with a formal assessment that adheres to established norms.

When Should You Start Speech
Therapy for a Toddler?

It is crucial to consider starting speech therapy for a toddler when parents or caregivers notice signs of communication difficulties, especially in the first four years of life. These may include limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, challenges in understanding instructions, or persistent speech sound errors. Additionally, if a child is not meeting developmental milestones for language skills—such as not babbling by 12 months or not using two-word phrases by 24 months—early intervention can greatly benefit their communication development. Consulting a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation is advisable if any concerns arise, as early support can lead to more successful long-term outcomes in speech and language development.
Contact an online speech therapist today to discuss the best course of action for your child, and the proper treatment to overcome their specific speech disorder.
Get Started

Why Choose DrSensory Online Therapy?

Say farewell to the hassle of searching for “pediatric speech therapists near me” and the lengthy commutes required to see a specialist. A qualified speech therapist is ready to commence your child’s first therapy session as early as tomorrow. Our DrSensory Database consists of exceptionally skilled and caring professionals in the field. Each member of our staff is state-certified and trained to navigate the sensitive challenges that often arise in children’s speech therapy. If you’re looking for an online speech therapist who truly cares about your child’s progress in communication, you’ve found the right place!
Our team of licensed and certified speech therapists possesses years of experience in the field. We proudly provide services across all states in the USA, catering to both children and adults who require speech therapy.

Check Out Our Therapist Database

Find a physical, occupational, or speech therapist that fits your needs and book a consultation!

Find a Therapist