When should I call a speech pathologist?

Every child develops speech and language at different rates.  So, as a parent it can be confusing and difficult to know if your child’s speech and language skills are on target or in need of some intervention from a speech pathologist.  Below are some basic guidelines that may ease your concerns or help you know if you need to speak with your pediatrician about a referral for a speech evaluation with a speech pathologist.

Your child should…

BY AGE ONE

• Begin imitating familiar single words
• Recognize his/her name when spoken
• Understands simple directions with gestures
• Vocalizes approximately five words (may include “mama” and “dada”)

BY 18 MONTHS OLD

• Vocalizes 10-15 single words
• Points to show what he/she wants
• Can identify one body part
• Can understand and follow simple commands without gestures
• Begins showing interest in pretending (ex:  brushing your hair, feeding doll)
• Prefers a familiar caregiver in new situations

BY TWO YEARS OLD

• Imitates others
• Mainly participates in “parallel play” but beginning to show interest in including other children in play
• Can point to pictures when named
• Combining words to make two to three word sentences
• Knows names of familiar people
• Can identify at least five body parts

BY THREE YEARS OLD

• Shows affection without prompts
• Takes turns when playing games
• Understands “mine”, “his”, “hers”
• Follows multi-step instructions
• Understands some spatial concepts (in, on, under)
• When speaking he/she is understood by a stranger most of the time
• Vocalizes by using three + word sentences

BY FOUR YEARS OLD

• Sings songs from memory
• Tells stories
• Names some colors and numbers
• Uses “he” and “she” correctly
• Prefers playing with other children instead of alone
• Enjoys make believe play

BY FIVE YEARS OLD

• Speech is clear
• Uses complete sentences when speaking or telling stories
• Can stay focused on an activity for at least five minutes
• Uses plurals and past tense correctly

*** Note ***  If your child EVER loses skills they once had, make an appointment to speak with your child’s pediatrician.