5 Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy (and What to Do Next)
As parents, it’s normal to wonder whether your child’s communication development is “on track.” Children develop at different rates, but there are some common signs of speech and language delays that may indicate your child could benefit from speech therapy.
Early support can make a huge difference. Not just for communication, but for confidence, social skills, and learning. Below are five signs your child might need speech therapy, and what steps you can take next.
1. Your Child Has Trouble Being Understood
If you frequently find yourself translating your child’s speech for others, this can be a sign of a speech sound disorder or motor speech difficulty.
Signs of a speech sound disorder may include:
Speech that is hard for family members or others to understand
Frequent sound errors that don’t seem to be improving
Leaving out sounds or syllables in words
Frustration when trying to communicate
By age 3, unfamiliar listeners should understand most of what a child says, ~75%. By age 4, speech should be clear most of the time, ~ 90-100%.
2. Limited Words or Difficulty Combining Words
If your child isn’t using many words or isn’t combining words into short phrases by around age 2, this may indicate an expressive language delay.
You might notice:
Fewer words than peers
Difficulty learning new words
Trouble putting words together (e.g., “want juice”)
Reliance on gestures instead of words
Language delays don’t mean a child won’t talk, but speech therapy can help build language skills early in a supportive, play-based way.
3. Difficulty Following Directions or Understanding Language
Speech therapy isn’t just about talking. It also supports understanding language.
Signs of receptive language difficulties include:
Trouble following simple directions
Appearing not to understand questions
Difficulty understanding routines or concepts (e.g., big/small, in/on)
If your child understands less than expected for their age, therapy can help strengthen comprehension skills that are critical for learning and social interaction.
4. Frustration, Meltdowns, or Behavior Related to Communication
When children can’t express themselves clearly, big emotions often show up instead.
You may see:
Frequent meltdowns
Hitting, throwing, or screaming when misunderstood
Shutting down during communication attempts
These behaviors are often signs of communication breakdown, not “bad behavior.” Speech therapy can give children tools to express wants, needs, and feelings more effectively, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) when appropriate.
5. Difficulty with Social Communication or Peer Interaction
Some children speak clearly but still struggle with social communication, especially in group or school settings.
Signs may include:
Difficulty taking turns in conversation
Trouble staying on topic
Limited eye contact or shared engagement
Wanting to connect with peers but not knowing how
Speech therapy can support pragmatic language skills, helping children build meaningful connections with others.
What to Do Next If You’re Concerned
If you recognize one or more of these signs, trust your instincts. You don’t need to “wait and see” if something feels off.
Next steps:
Schedule a speech and language evaluation
Talk with your pediatrician or childcare provider
Reach out to a licensed speech-language pathologist
Early intervention can support your child’s development and help communication feel easier and more joyful.
When Should a Child Start Speech Therapy?
Children can begin speech therapy as early as infancy. It’s never “too early” to ask questions. Therapy is play-based, child-led, and tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs.
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, an evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
If you’re looking for speech therapy in Virginia Beach, working with a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist can help support your child’s communication, confidence, and development. Our clinic proudly serves families in Virginia Beach and surrounding Hampton Roads communities with play-based, neuroaffirming speech therapy services.
This article was written by Kelly Shotts, M.S., CCC-SLP, pediatric speech-language pathologist and owner of Resolute Therapy Collaborative in Virginia Beach, VA.