When Should I Worry About My Child’s Speech Delay?

Two preschool-aged children sitting on a step with a book and markers

As parents, it’s natural to compare your child’s development to others. You might notice your friend's toddler chatting away in full sentences while yours is still struggling with basic words—or not speaking at all. If you're wondering, “Is this normal?” or “Should I be worried?”, you're not alone.

Speech and language development can vary widely among young children. But there are also key milestones that help professionals determine whether a delay may need further support. In this article, we’ll help you understand what’s typical, when to be concerned, and what steps to take if your child isn’t meeting speech milestones.

What Is a Speech Delay?

A speech delay refers to when a child is not developing speech and communication skills at the expected rate for their age. This can include:

• Delays in talking (expressive language)

• Difficulty understanding language (receptive language)

• Problems producing sounds or being understood (speech clarity)

• Limited social communication (e.g. eye contact, turn-taking)

Speech delay is different from being a "late bloomer"—true delays often need support to catch up.

Key Speech and Language Milestones

Every child is different, but the following milestones offer a general guide:

By 12 months:

• Babbles with a variety of sounds (e.g. “ba-ba”, “da-da”)

• Responds to their name

• Understands simple words like “no” or “bye”

• May say 1–2 words (like “mama”, “dada”)

By 18 months:

• Says around 5–20 words

• Understands many more than they can say

• Points to objects or pictures when named

• Follows simple instructions like “come here”

By 2 years:

• Says at least 50 words

• Begins combining two words (e.g. “more juice”)

• Can follow two-step instructions

• Strangers may understand around 50% of their speech

By 3 years:

• Uses 3–4 word sentences

• Has a vocabulary of 200+ words

• Can be understood by most people most of the time

• Asks lots of questions (“what”, “where”, “why”)

If your child is significantly behind in these areas, it may be time to seek professional advice.

When to Be Concerned

You should consider seeking help from a speech pathologist if your child:

• Isn’t babbling or making sounds by 12 months

• Hasn’t said their first word by 16–18 months

• Isn’t using two-word phrases by 2 years

• Rarely imitates speech or gestures

• Struggles to understand simple instructions

• Speaks but is very difficult to understand after age 3

• Has a history of frequent ear infections or hearing issues

• Seems to “tune out” or doesn’t respond to their name

You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to access help—early support can make a big difference.

Common Causes of Speech Delay

Speech delays can occur on their own or be part of a broader developmental issue. Some common causes include:

• Hearing loss (often due to frequent ear infections)

• Developmental language disorder (DLD)

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Intellectual disability

• Neurological conditions (e.g. cerebral palsy)

• Environmental factors (e.g. limited exposure to speech, bilingual environments)

In many cases, there is no clear cause, and a child simply needs targeted support to catch up.

What Should I Do if I’m Worried?

1. Trust Your Gut

Parents are often the first to notice that something isn’t quite right. If you're concerned, don’t wait and see—early intervention leads to better outcomes.

2. Book a Hearing Test

Even mild hearing loss can affect speech development. A paediatric hearing test (available through audiologists or ENT clinics) is a great first step.

3. Speak to Your GP or Child Health Nurse

They can refer you to a paediatric speech pathologist or other specialists if needed. Some children may also benefit from a developmental paediatrician assessment.

4. Contact a Speech Pathologist Directly

In Australia, you can see a speech pathologist privately without a referral. If you're eligible for NDIS, a Medicare plan (e.g. Chronic Disease Management), or private health insurance, you may be able to access support at reduced or no cost.

Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is not just for children with severe communication issues. It can help:

• Late talkers catch up to their peers

• Children with unclear speech become more intelligible

• Kids with language difficulties improve learning and social skills

• Children with ASD or developmental differences build communication confidence

Therapy is usually play-based, fun, and tailored to your child’s unique needs.

How Can I Support My Child at Home?

Here are some easy ways to encourage speech at home:

• Talk about everything you’re doing ("I’m washing the apple. Now I’m cutting it.")

• Wait and pause—give your child time to respond

• Use short, simple sentences they can imitate

• Read books together daily—ask questions and label pictures

• Repeat and expand on what your child says (“Car!” → “Yes, red car!”)

• Limit screen time and prioritise face-to-face interaction

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether your child’s speech is on track, you’re not alone—and you’re not overreacting. Being proactive is one of the best things you can do.

Speech and language skills are the foundation for learning, friendships, and confidence. Early support can empower your child to reach their full potential, and in many cases, avoid long-term challenges at school and beyond.

Need help getting started? If you live near Footscray in Melbourne, VIC and are looking for clinic or home/school based services, our friendl

y team of speech pathologists would love to meet you. We also offer telehealth services for clients who live further away. Contact us to have a chat or book an initial consultation and we look forward to supporting you on your communication journey.