Does My Child Need a Speech Therapist? Key Signs to Watch For

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Speech and Language Development
3. Key Milestones: What to Expect and When
4. Specific Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy
5. What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Do?
6. The Power of Early Intervention and Home Practice
7. How Speech Blubs Supports Your Child’s Communication Journey
8. Is Speech Blubs Right for Your Family? Pricing and Value
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Speech Therapy

Introduction

Imagine your child’s world—a vibrant tapestry of new sounds, discoveries, and burgeoning connections. Now, imagine a thread snagged, making it difficult for them to weave their thoughts and feelings into words, or to fully grasp the words being spoken to them. For many parents, this scenario isn’t a hypothetical fear but a daily reality that sparks a crucial question: does my child need a speech therapist? It’s a question often whispered with concern, sometimes with frustration, but always rooted in a deep love for their child’s well-being.

The journey of speech and language development is wonderfully unique for every child, but there are certain milestones that most children achieve within similar age ranges. When these milestones seem elusive, it can be a source of significant worry. Our purpose in this comprehensive guide is to demystify this process, providing you with clear insights into typical speech and language development, identifying key signs that may indicate a need for professional support, and empowering you with practical strategies to foster your child’s communication skills at home. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to “speak their minds and hearts,” and we are committed to helping families navigate this path with confidence and joy.

Understanding Speech and Language Development

Before diving into specific concerns, it’s helpful to understand the difference between speech and language, as these terms are often used interchangeably but refer to distinct aspects of communication.

Speech refers to the verbal expression of language. It’s how we make sounds, articulate words, and the fluency with which we speak. This includes:

• Articulation: How sounds are made using the mouth, lips, and tongue.
• Voice: The sound of the voice, including pitch, volume, and quality.
• Fluency: The rhythm and flow of speech, such as not stuttering or having an overly fast rate of speaking.

Language refers to the system of words and rules used to communicate. It encompasses both understanding (receptive language) and using (expressive language) communication. This includes:

• Receptive Language: Understanding what is being said, including following directions, comprehending stories, and knowing the meaning of words.
• Expressive Language: How a child uses words to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
• Social Communication (Pragmatics): The appropriate use of language in social contexts, such as taking turns in conversation, understanding body language, and adapting language to different situations.

Both speech and language are foundational for a child’s overall development, impacting their ability to learn, socialize, and express their unique personality. Early communication skills are strongly linked to academic success, emotional well-being, and forming meaningful relationships. When either area faces challenges, it can lead to frustration for the child and concern for their caregivers.

At Speech Blubs, we understand these intricate connections. Our mission, born from the personal experiences of our founders who faced speech challenges themselves, is to provide an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support. We blend scientific principles with play, transforming passive screen time into a powerful, interactive “smart screen time” experience.

Key Milestones: What to Expect and When

Children’s communication skills develop rapidly during their early years. While every child’s journey is unique, knowing general developmental milestones can help parents identify potential areas of concern. It’s important to remember that these are guidelines, not rigid rules, and a child’s progress can vary. However, persistent delays in multiple areas might warrant further investigation.

Birth to 12 Months

During their first year, babies are absorbing an incredible amount of information, laying the groundwork for spoken language.

• Receptive Language: By 6-9 months, infants should respond to their name, recognize familiar voices, and react to different tones of voice. Around 9-12 months, they should understand simple words like “no,” “bye-bye,” and their own name.
• Expressive Language: Early sounds like cooing (0-3 months) and babbling (6-9 months) are crucial. By 9-12 months, babbling should become more complex, incorporating different sounds and intonations (e.g., “ba-ba,” “ma-ma,” “da-da”), and they may use gestures like waving and pointing. The first true word typically emerges around 12 months.

12 to 18 Months

This period often sees the exciting emergence of first words and more intentional communication.

• Receptive Language: Children should follow simple one-step directions (e.g., “Give me the ball”), point to familiar objects when named, and understand simple questions like “Where’s your nose?”
• Expressive Language: They should be consistently using a few single words (often nouns like “mama,” “dada,” “cup”). They should also use gestures and sounds to get attention or indicate wants (e.g., grunting and pointing to something they desire). If your child is only making a few sounds and not using gestures, or hasn’t expressed their first words by 15 months, it could be an early sign.

18 to 24 Months

Language blossoms during this stage, with a vocabulary explosion and the beginnings of word combinations.

• Receptive Language: Toddlers should understand simple two-step commands (e.g., “Pick up the toy and put it in the box”), point to many body parts, and understand simple stories with pictures.
• Expressive Language: They should have a vocabulary of at least 50 words by 24 months, with many using even more. Crucially, they should start combining two words (e.g., “more juice,” “daddy go,” “big dog”). If your child is mostly grunting and pointing instead of communicating, not using two-word combinations frequently, or leaving ends off words (like “si-dow” instead of “sit down”), these are red flags.

2 to 3 Years

Sentences become longer and more complex, and speech intelligibility improves significantly.

• Receptive Language: Children should understand most simple sentences, follow two-to-three-step directions, and understand concepts like “in,” “on,” “under.”
• Expressive Language: They should use 3-4 word sentences, ask “what” and “where” questions, and have a vocabulary of several hundred words. Their speech should be understood by familiar listeners about 50-75% of the time. If they are not putting two- and three-word combinations together, saying fewer than 50 words, or their speech is mostly unintelligible, these warrant attention. For a parent whose 2-year-old struggles to combine words, our Speech Blubs app offers engaging activities like “What Do We Say” that encourage forming simple phrases by imitating peers, making the learning process interactive and fun.

3 to 4 Years

Children become adept conversationalists, with more sophisticated language use.

• Receptive Language: They should understand most of what is said to them, follow multi-step directions, and comprehend simple stories.
• Expressive Language: They should speak in sentences of 4-5 words or more, tell simple stories, and ask “who,” “why,” and “how” questions. Their speech should be understood by unfamiliar listeners about 75-100% of the time. Articulation errors should be decreasing, though some sounds (like ‘r,’ ‘s,’ ‘l,’ ‘th’) may still be developing. For a child learning complex sounds, the “Early Sounds” section in Speech Blubs provides targeted practice with our unique video modeling approach, where children learn by imitating their peers.

4 to 5 Years

By kindergarten, most children have well-developed speech and language skills.

• Receptive Language: They should understand sequences of events, complex sentences, and classroom instructions (e.g., “Draw a circle on your paper around something you eat”).
• Expressive Language: They should speak clearly and fluently, tell longer stories, use future and past tenses correctly, and engage in conversations easily. Their articulation should be mostly clear, though a few difficult sounds may still be emerging. If your child is repeating the first sounds of words (like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball”), unable to follow classroom directions, or repeats sounds or words most of the time, professional evaluation is a good next step.

While these milestones offer a useful benchmark, if you have persistent concerns, trust your parental instincts. A quick 3-minute preliminary screener can offer immediate insights into your child’s communication development and provide an assessment and next-steps plan.

Specific Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy

Beyond general milestones, certain specific indicators can signal that your child might benefit from the support of a speech-language pathologist. Observing these signs carefully can help you make an informed decision about seeking professional help.

1. Difficulty with Articulation and Unclear Speech

If your child’s speech is consistently difficult for others to understand, especially unfamiliar listeners, it could indicate an articulation disorder or a phonological process disorder. This might manifest as:

• Substituting sounds: Saying “wabbit” for “rabbit” or “thith” for “this.”
• Omitting sounds/syllables: Saying “nana” for “banana” or “at” for “cat.”
• Distorting sounds: Producing a lisp for ‘s’ sounds.
• Mostly unintelligible speech: By age three, a child should be understood by family members most of the time, and by age four, even strangers should understand much of what they say.
• Changing consonant sounds: Consistently saying “tat” for “cat.”

Real-world scenario: A parent often notices that while they can understand their 3-year-old, grandparents or friends frequently ask, “What did she say?” This persistent lack of clarity, or if the child mostly uses a limited number of sounds for all words, omitting many vowels and consonants, points to an articulation issue. For children working on specific sound production, activities within Speech Blubs like “Sounds” or “Funny Filters” encourage playful repetition and imitation of target sounds, building muscle memory for correct articulation.

2. Limited Vocabulary or Difficulty Forming Sentences (Expressive Language Delay)

This category relates to how your child uses words and puts them together. Signs include:

• Saying only a few words: If your 18-month-old says fewer than 20 words, or your 2-year-old says fewer than 50 words and isn’t combining words.
• Not combining words: Still using only single words by 24 months, or not putting two- and three-word combinations together by 2-3 years.
• Poor grammar: Consistently struggling with basic grammar rules, such as incorrect verb tenses or sentence structure appropriate for their age.
• Using the same word for different things: While common in very young children, if a 12-month-old continues to use “ball” for any round object or any toy, it might be a sign of limited vocabulary expansion.

Real-world scenario: A parent observes that their 2.5-year-old only communicates with single words like “ball” or “eat,” while peers are saying “big ball” or “I want food.” This developmental expressive language disorder can significantly impact a child’s ability to communicate their needs and feelings. Our Speech Blubs app targets vocabulary expansion and early sentence formation through categories like “First Words” and “Word Combinations,” using video modeling to introduce new words and phrases in a contextually rich and engaging way.

3. Difficulty Understanding Directions or Questions (Receptive Language Delay)

It’s not just about what a child says, but also what they understand. Signs of a receptive language delay include:

• Trouble following directions: Not understanding simple commands by age two (e.g., “Bring me the toy”) or struggling with multi-step directions by age three or four.
• Staring blankly or ignoring commands: This can sometimes be confused with defiance, but if it’s consistent, it could be a comprehension issue.
• Limited understanding of concepts: Not grasping concepts like “in,” “on,” “under,” or “big/small.”
• Appearing uninterested in conversations: This could be due to difficulty processing what is being said.

Real-world scenario: A preschooler frequently struggles to follow simple classroom instructions, leading to frustration for both the child and teachers. For children who have trouble understanding simple statements, Speech Blubs offers activities like “Guess the Word” and various categories that focus on building vocabulary and associating words with objects and actions, enhancing receptive language skills.

4. Stuttering and Other Speech Fluency Disorders

Stuttering is a disruption in the flow of speech, often characterized by:

• Repetition: Repeating sounds, syllables, or whole words (e.g., “b-b-b-ball,” “ca-ca-cat”).
• Prolongations: Stretching out sounds (e.g., “ssssnake”).
• Blocks: Getting “stuck” and being unable to produce a sound.
• Visible tension: Facial grimaces, eye blinks, or body movements accompanying moments of stuttering.

While some disfluencies are normal for children aged 2-5 as they learn to combine words, persistent or worsening stuttering, especially if accompanied by physical tension or avoidance of speaking, should be evaluated.

Real-world scenario: A 4-year-old begins to repeat the first sounds of words frequently, causing noticeable effort and frustration when speaking. This stuttering impacts their self-esteem and willingness to communicate. Speech Blubs creates a low-pressure, playful environment where children can practice speaking at their own pace, building confidence in a fun setting.

5. Frustration in Expressing Thoughts or Understanding Language

When children know what they want to say but can’t, or don’t understand what others are saying, it can lead to emotional distress:

• Tantrums or behavioral issues: Often stemming from a child’s inability to communicate their needs or feelings effectively.
• Withdrawal or shyness: Avoiding speaking or social interactions due to self-consciousness about communication difficulties.
• Appearing upset when not understood: Crying or showing signs of anger when their message isn’t received.

Real-world scenario: A 3-year-old consistently has meltdowns when trying to ask for a specific toy or snack because they lack the vocabulary or sentence structure to make themselves understood. This frustration is a clear sign that a child needs tools and techniques to articulate their thoughts clearly. We believe that empowering children to “speak their minds and hearts” means giving them the tools to reduce this frustration, creating joyful family learning moments.

6. Struggles with Social Interaction and Communication

Communication extends beyond just speaking; it involves engaging with others appropriately. Signs include:

• Difficulty joining conversations or taking turns: Not knowing when or how to enter a conversation or maintaining an equal speaking dynamic.
• Missing social cues: Not understanding body language, facial expressions, or sarcasm.
• Lack of eye contact or shared attention: Not looking at a speaker or not pointing to things they want to show others.
• Being consistently quiet in social situations (Selective Mutism): Refusing to speak in specific settings despite being able to speak in others.

Real-world scenario: A child struggles to engage in imaginative play with peers, preferring to play alone or unable to follow the narrative of group games. Speech therapy can help children learn how to express themselves, interpret others, and navigate the nuances of social interaction, essential for building friendships and confidence.

7. Oral-Motor Concerns or Feeding Difficulties

Though not immediately obvious as a “speech” issue, the muscles used for eating and swallowing are also critical for speech production.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing: Persistent gagging, coughing during meals, or food remaining in the mouth.
• Excessive drooling beyond toddlerhood: Can indicate weak oral muscles.
• Weakness or uncoordinated movements of the tongue, lips, or jaw: This directly impacts the ability to produce clear speech sounds.

Real-world scenario: A child struggles with eating certain textures or frequently chokes during meals, which may be linked to the same oral-motor weaknesses that affect their ability to produce clear ‘k’ or ‘g’ sounds. An SLP can assess and address these underlying physical issues.

8. Not Responding to Name or Sounds

One of the earliest red flags, often appearing before 12 months, is a child consistently not responding to their name when called, or not reacting to loud noises. While this could indicate a hearing issue (which should always be ruled out first), it can also be an early sign of a broader developmental concern affecting communication.

Real-world scenario: A baby consistently doesn’t turn their head when their name is called, even in a quiet room, or seems oblivious to sudden loud sounds. This can be an early indicator that warrants professional attention.

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Do?

If you’ve identified some of these signs, your next question might be, “What exactly does a speech-language pathologist do?” Often referred to simply as speech therapists, SLPs are highly trained healthcare professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders across all ages.

The Evaluation Process

The first step in addressing any communication concerns is typically a comprehensive evaluation by an SLP. This process usually involves:

1. Case History: The SLP will gather detailed information about your child’s medical history, developmental milestones, communication patterns, and your specific concerns.
2. Observation: The therapist will observe your child during play, conversation, and structured activities to assess their natural communication skills, social interactions, and understanding of language.
3. Standardized Assessments: Age-appropriate tests are used to evaluate specific areas of speech and language (e.g., vocabulary, grammar, articulation, fluency) against developmental norms.
4. Oral-Motor Examination: The SLP may examine your child’s mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw to check for any structural issues or muscle weakness that could affect speech or swallowing.
5. Hearing Screening: A basic hearing screening may be conducted or recommended to rule out hearing loss as a contributing factor to communication difficulties.

Based on the evaluation, the SLP will provide a diagnosis (if applicable) and work collaboratively with you to create a customized, child-centered treatment plan. This plan outlines specific goals and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Conditions Treated by SLPs

Speech-language pathologists treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders, including:

• Articulation Disorders: Difficulty producing speech sounds correctly (e.g., substitutions, omissions, distortions).
• Phonological Disorders: Patterns of sound errors that simplify speech (e.g., consistently leaving off final consonants).
• Apraxia of Speech: A motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the muscle movements needed for speech.
• Fluency Disorders: Stuttering or cluttering that disrupts the flow and rhythm of speech.
• Receptive Language Disorders: Difficulty understanding spoken language (e.g., following directions, comprehending vocabulary).
• Expressive Language Disorders: Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings verbally (e.g., limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, difficulty forming sentences).
• Social Communication Disorders (Pragmatics): Challenges with the social rules of communication, such as turn-taking, understanding non-verbal cues, or adjusting communication style.
• Voice Disorders: Problems with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice.
• Oral-Motor/Feeding and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Difficulties with eating, drinking, or swallowing due to issues with oral muscles or coordination.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: SLPs play a crucial role in improving communication and social interaction skills for individuals with ASD.
• Developmental Delays: Addressing communication components within a broader developmental delay.

SLPs use a variety of techniques, often employing play-based activities, visual aids, and structured practice to make therapy engaging and effective for children. They also empower parents with strategies for at-home practice, recognizing the critical role families play in a child’s progress.

The Power of Early Intervention and Home Practice

The importance of addressing speech and language concerns early cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to the best outcomes for children with communication difficulties. The earlier a child receives support, the greater their potential for developing strong communication skills. This is because a child’s brain is incredibly adaptable during early development, making it more receptive to learning and establishing new neural pathways for speech and language.

Parents play a truly critical role in their child’s success. While professional therapy provides expert guidance, consistent reinforcement and practice at home are what truly accelerate progress. You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and your daily interactions offer countless opportunities for communication growth.

This is where Speech Blubs comes in. We understand that finding time for regular professional therapy can be challenging for busy families, and we believe that valuable learning doesn’t just happen in a clinic. Our app is designed to be a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy. It transforms screen time—which often worries parents—into “smart screen time” that is interactive, educational, and fosters family connection.

We are committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for children who need speech support, empowering them to “speak their minds and hearts.” Our tools are specifically designed to bridge the gap between therapy sessions and everyday life, encouraging continuous growth in a fun, engaging way.

How Speech Blubs Supports Your Child’s Communication Journey

At Speech Blubs, we’ve carefully crafted an app that leverages scientific principles to make learning to speak and communicate an exciting adventure for children. Our methodology is rooted in the proven concept of video modeling, where children learn by watching and imitating their peers. This approach is highly effective because children are naturally drawn to observing other children, activating “mirror neurons” in their brains, which are crucial for imitation and learning.

Here’s how Speech Blubs stands out and supports your child:

1. The Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning (Video Modeling)

Unlike apps that rely on animated characters or adult voices, Speech Blubs features real children modeling sounds, words, and phrases.

• Natural Imitation: Children are more motivated to imitate their peers, making the learning process feel natural and less like a “lesson.”
• Engaging Content: The diverse group of children in our videos provides relatable role models, keeping kids engaged and eager to participate.
• Activation of Mirror Neurons: This scientific principle makes peer imitation a powerful learning tool, particularly for speech development.

2. Turning Screen Time into Smart Screen Time

We recognize that parents are often concerned about screen time. Our app offers a screen-free alternative to passive viewing experiences like cartoons.

• Active Participation: Speech Blubs requires active engagement, not passive viewing. Children are prompted to make sounds, repeat words, and interact with the screen.
• Interactive Activities: Fun filters, stickers, and mini-games encourage vocalization and repetition, making practice feel like play.
• Family Connection: The activities are designed for co-play, transforming device use into a shared learning experience for children and caregivers.

3. A Comprehensive and Engaging Curriculum

Speech Blubs covers a wide range of communication skills, structured into thematic sections to keep learning fresh and exciting.

• Diverse Categories: From “First Words” and “Animal Kingdom” to “Guess the Word” and “What Do We Say,” our content addresses various aspects of speech and language development. For a 3-year-old ‘late talker’ who loves animals, the Speech Blubs app offers a fun, motivating “Animal Kingdom” section to practice sounds like “moo” and “baa” and simple animal names.
• Targeted Skill Development: Each section focuses on specific sounds, words, or phrases, building foundational skills progressively.
• Playful Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement and playful activities ensure that children stay motivated and look forward to their “Blubs time.”

4. Built on Personal Experience and Scientific Research

Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. This personal connection drives our commitment to quality and effectiveness.

• Expert-Designed: All our content is developed with the input of certified speech-language pathologists.
• Backed by Science: Our methodology is supported by extensive research in child development and speech acquisition, placing us in the top tier of speech apps worldwide.
• A Solution for 1 in 4 Children: We are dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality support for the many children who can benefit from speech and language intervention.

By integrating Speech Blubs into your child’s daily routine, you’re not just giving them screen time; you’re providing a powerful, interactive tool that fosters their love for communication, builds confidence, reduces frustration, and creates joyful family learning moments.

Is Speech Blubs Right for Your Family? Pricing and Value

We believe in transparency and providing exceptional value to families. Understanding our pricing structure will help you choose the best option for your child’s communication journey.

Our plans are designed to be flexible, but one option clearly offers superior benefits and savings:

• Monthly Plan: Priced at $14.99 per month. This plan provides access to the core Speech Blubs app content, allowing you to try it out on a month-to-month basis. However, it does NOT include a free trial, the extra Reading Blubs app, early access to new updates, or our expedited 24-hour support response time.
• Yearly Plan: Our most popular and recommended option, priced at just $59.99 per year. This breaks down to an incredible value of just $4.99 per month, saving you 66% compared to the monthly plan! Beyond the significant cost savings, the Yearly plan is packed with exclusive, high-value features designed to maximize your child’s progress and your family’s support:
  • 7-Day Free Trial: Experience the full power of Speech Blubs before committing.
  • Extra Reading Blubs App: Gain access to our supplementary app focused on early literacy skills, providing a holistic approach to language development.
  • Early Access to New Updates: Be the first to try out new features and content as they are released.
  • 24-Hour Support Response Time: Get your questions answered quickly and efficiently by our dedicated support team.

The Yearly plan is undoubtedly the best choice for families committed to fostering their child’s communication skills. It offers the most comprehensive features at the most affordable rate, ensuring you have every tool available to support your child. You can start your free trial today by selecting the Yearly plan and unlock all these incredible benefits. It’s an investment in your child’s future that pays dividends in confidence, connection, and joy.

Conclusion

Navigating your child’s speech and language development can feel like a complex journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Recognizing the signs that your child might need a speech therapist is the first, crucial step toward providing them with the support they need to thrive. Whether it’s difficulty with articulation, limited vocabulary, challenges in understanding language, or social communication struggles, early identification and intervention can make a world of difference.

Remember, every child deserves to speak their minds and hearts, and with the right tools and support, they can overcome communication hurdles and develop a lifelong love for expressing themselves. Speech-language pathologists offer invaluable expertise, but your role as a parent in everyday practice and encouragement is equally vital.

At Speech Blubs, we are honored to be a part of your family’s journey. Our app, built on the scientific foundation of video modeling and born from personal experience, transforms screen time into an engaging, effective, and joyful learning experience. We empower you to actively participate in your child’s communication growth, reducing frustration and building confidence in a fun, interactive environment.

Ready to take the next step and unlock your child’s full communication potential? We invite you to experience the difference for yourself. Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or get Speech Blubs on Google Play to begin your 7-day free trial today. When you sign up, be sure to select the Yearly plan to gain immediate access to the free trial and unlock all the exclusive features, including the Reading Blubs app, early updates, and priority support. It’s the best value and the most comprehensive way to support your child’s communication journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Speech Therapy

1. What is the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?

A speech delay refers to difficulties with the physical production of sounds and words (articulation, fluency, voice). For example, a child might have a speech delay if they struggle to pronounce certain sounds correctly, like saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.” A language delay refers to difficulties understanding or using language as a system for communication. This can involve receptive language (understanding words and sentences) or expressive language (using words, forming sentences, or having a limited vocabulary). A child with a language delay might struggle to follow directions or combine words into sentences. Often, children can experience both speech and language delays simultaneously.

2. How long does speech therapy typically last?

The duration of speech therapy varies greatly depending on the child’s age, the specific nature and severity of their communication disorder, their consistency in attending sessions, and the amount of home practice. Some children may make significant progress in a few months, while others might require therapy for a year or longer. An articulation difference, for instance, might take about 15-20 hours of direct therapy, while more complex language disorders could require sustained intervention. Your speech-language pathologist will conduct regular assessments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Consistency and parental involvement are key factors in how quickly a child progresses.

3. Can I help my child at home if they have a speech delay?

Absolutely! Parental involvement and home practice are critical for successful outcomes in speech and language development. Simple, daily interactions can become powerful learning opportunities. Engage in activities like reading together, singing songs, describing objects and actions, playing imaginative games, and asking open-ended questions. Respond to your child’s attempts to communicate, even if unclear, and model correct speech and language back to them without directly correcting. Apps like Speech Blubs are specifically designed to facilitate this home practice, turning everyday screen time into interactive, educational opportunities that reinforce therapy goals and build confidence.

4. What if my child is shy or refuses to speak in therapy?

It’s common for children, especially younger ones, to be shy, hesitant, or even refuse to speak during initial therapy sessions. A skilled speech-language pathologist understands this and will create a comfortable, play-based environment to help your child feel safe and encouraged. They might use games, toys, or activities that are highly motivating for your child to gradually build rapport and encourage communication. If shyness or refusal to speak is persistent, it could also be a sign of a social anxiety disorder like selective mutism, which the SLP can address through specific behavioral approaches. The goal is always to make communication a positive and rewarding experience.