Should I Start Speech Therapy for my Child?

This quick quiz will help you identify signs of a speech or language delay in your child.

You'll gain insight into your child's communication development by answering simple questions and deciding whether it's time to consult a speech-language pathologist.

Speech Therapy for Children Quiz

Answer each question honestly. There are no wrong answers! In the end, you'll better understand whether speech therapy could be a good next step for your child.

1. Is your child's speech difficult to understand?

If your son or daughter's speech is consistently difficult for unfamiliar people to understand, it could be a sign of a speech disorder. It's not unusual for young children to have pronunciation errors, but these typically improve with age.

2. Does your child have a limited vocabulary?

Young children are still building their vocabulary, but by a certain age, they should have a basic range of words and be able to express their needs and desires. A limited vocabulary can be an indicator of a language delay.

3. Is your child struggling with grammar?

Grammar development is a key aspect of language development. If your child consistently struggles with basic grammar rules appropriate for their age, such as using correct verb tenses or forming sentences, it might be a cause for concern. You can consult a pediatric speech therapist if you have specific questions about your child meeting grammatical milestones.

4. Does your child avoid speaking?

Some children may become self-conscious about their speech difficulties and begin to avoid speaking altogether. This can be a sign of underlying speech issues and should not be ignored.

5. Does your child stutter?

Stuttering is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repeating sounds or syllables, prolonging sounds, or experiencing involuntary pauses. If your child exhibits stuttering that persists over time, it may warrant professional attention.

6. Is your child struggling to follow directions?

Difficulty following age-appropriate directions may be a sign of a language processing issue. Children should be able to understand and follow instructions that correspond to their age and cognitive abilities.

7. Is your child's speech development significantly behind peers?

While there is a wide range of normal speech development, if your child's speech and language skills lag significantly behind those of their peers of the same age, it could be a red flag for communication problems.

8. Do you have concerns about your child's articulation?

Articulation refers to how well a child pronounces individual sounds. If you notice persistent difficulties with articulation, such as having trouble producing certain sounds correctly, it might indicate a speech disorder.

9. Does your child seem frustrated by communication?

Children who struggle with speech and language often become frustrated when they cannot effectively convey their thoughts and feelings. This frustration can manifest as tantrums or withdrawal.

10. Has anyone (e.g., teacher, pediatrician) expressed concern about your child's speech?

It's important to consider the observations and concerns of professionals who interact with your child regularly. If someone has raised concerns about your child's speech, it's worth taking those concerns seriously.

How To Get Started:

  • Free Consultation

    Free Consultation

    A short phone conversation to clarify your goals.

  • Get Connected

    Get Connected

    We’ll match you with the right Speech-Language Pathologist for your treatment plan.

  • Get Started

    Get Started

    Begin working with your Speech-Language Pathologist in convenient online sessions.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy for Children

  • Difficulty being understood, limited vocabulary, delayed grammar, or avoiding speaking are some early signs that a child may benefit from a speech-language evaluation.

  • Children develop at different rates, but if your child is over age two, not combining words, or is significantly behind peers, it may be time to speak with a speech therapist.

  • This quiz is meant as a helpful guide, not a diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your child’s communication, a licensed speech-language pathologist can provide a complete evaluation.

  • A licensed speech therapist will assess your child’s ability to speak, understand language, follow directions, and use age-appropriate grammar and vocabulary.

  • If your quiz results suggest concern, you can contact us directly to schedule a free consultation.

  • Yes! Many children thrive with online speech therapy. We offer fun, interactive sessions tailored to your child’s age, needs, and goals, all from the comfort of home.

  • A speech delay involves trouble producing sounds clearly, while a language disorder affects how your child understands and uses words. A speech therapist can help identify both.