Does my child need speech therapy?

Parents often find it difficult to determine if their child is speech delayed. We all know the story of “Cousin Johnny” who didn’t say a word at age two but suddenly spoke in full sentences at age three. But is that the norm? “Speech therapy for toddlers and children is not uncommon,” explains Jeanette Podolsky, a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Clinical Director at The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada Ltd. “Knowing the milestones can help in early detection of a speech delay.”

“Knowing what to look for can make a huge difference in a child’s language development,” explains Podolsky. “If you are concerned, ask your doctor, child’s teacher or caregiver. Or consult a speech-language therapist in your area."

Here are key milestones your child should be reaching.

Your child should be able to:

• Anticipate events (for example, a cup or bottle means getting a drink)

• Begin imitating sounds, words and actions

• Recognize his or her name

• Show interest in simple picture books

• Follow simple directions

• Point out objects of personal interest to an adult (for example, a favourite toy)

Your child should be able to: 

• Use at least 15 words

• Enjoy solitary play

• Have a limited sense of sharing

• Ask simple questions such as "What's that?"

• Pretend to feed a doll

• Recognize pictures when named 

• Refer to him or herself by name 

Your child should be able to:

• Follow simple directions

• Put toys away upon request

• Understand new words rapidly

• Use at least 50 different words consistently

• Use two-word phrases such as "mommy up" or "baby sleep"

• Be understood 50 percent of the time by familiar people 

Your child should be able to: 

• Enjoy make-believe play

• Follow two-step commands

• Use three- to four-word sentences

• Understand the difference between pictures and print

• Play in groups with other children 

• Share toys for short periods of time

• Understand simple questions such as "Who?" , "What?" , "Where" and "Why?"

• Be understood 75 per cent of the time by familiar people

Your child should be able to:

• Ask a lot of questions

• Categorize objects (for example, understand that an apple is a fruit)

• Use four- to five-word sentences

• Use complex sentences

• Match some letters with the sounds they represent 

• Play and take turns in playing with others

• Enjoy role playing

• Tell stories with a beginning and an end

• Be understood 90 percent of the time by familiar people

Your child should be able to: 

• Follow game rules

• Discuss feelings

• Follow three-step commands

• Use proper grammar 90 percent of the time

• Use complex sentences and maintain variety in vocabulary

• Show interest in group activities 

• Speak clearly 90 to 100 percent of the time