Is Your Child’s Speech on Track?
It’s natural to wonder whether your child’s communication is developing as it should. Some kids are late talkers who eventually catch up, while others may need extra support to build the skills that help them be understood and connect with others.
Knowing what’s typical and what might need attention can give you peace of mind. In this article, we’ll walk you through the differences between speech and language, the signs to watch for, and how early support from our team at Little Hands at Play can make a big difference in your child’s communication skills.
The Difference Between Speech and Language
Many parents hear the phrase speech therapy and think it only covers how a child talks. In reality, our speech therapy programs are run by expert speech-language pathologists who address both of these key areas of communication:
- Speech is the physical way that your child makes sounds and words. This includes clarity, pronunciation, and fluency.
- Language is how your child understands and uses words to communicate. This includes vocabulary, sentence building, comprehension, and conversation skills.
Some children may struggle with one but not the other. For example, your child might pronounce words clearly (speech) but have trouble putting sentences together (language). Our speech therapists can help your child strengthen both areas so they can express themselves with confidence.
Types of Language Skills We Help Children Build
Language development covers more than just vocabulary—it involves different kinds of skills that children need for school, play, and everyday life. Our speech therapists support children in areas such as:
- Receptive language is how your child understands what others say. This includes following directions, pointing to objects when asked, or comprehending stories read aloud.
- Expressive language is how your child shares their own thoughts and ideas. This includes building vocabulary, putting words together into sentences, and using correct grammar.
- Social communication skills are how your child uses language in interactions with others. This includes taking turns in conversation, staying on topic, understanding body language, and knowing what is appropriate to say in different situations or settings.
When any of these skills are delayed, it can make learning and socializing more difficult. Our team helps children strengthen these vital communication skills so they can participate more fully in every part of their daily lives.
Common Signs Your Child May Benefit from Speech Therapy
Because children develop at different rates, it can be hard to know what’s typical and what may require extra support. Here are some age-based signs to watch out for that can mean it’s time to consider speech therapy:
Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years)
- No babbling or gestures (pointing, waving) by 12 months
- Few or no words by 18–24 months
- Trouble following simple directions
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- Difficult for teachers or peers to understand them
- Uses very short, incomplete sentences
- Trouble answering questions or following 2-step directions
- Avoids talking with peers or seems shy due to speech challenges
School-Aged Children (5+ years)
- Persistent sound errors (like saying “wabbit” for “rabbit”)
- Trouble telling stories or retelling events clearly
- Difficulty with reading, spelling, or vocabulary growth
- Frustration or embarrassment about speaking in class
General Signs That May Indicate a Need for Speech Therapy
In addition to age-based milestones, there are some broader signs that may suggest your child could benefit from therapy:
- Stuttering or frequent pauses that disrupt speech
- Difficulty being understood by others beyond the family
- Trouble with reading, spelling, or writing
- Voice qualities such as hoarseness, breathiness, or unusual pitch or loudness
- Struggling to follow conversations or remember what was said
- Difficulty understanding humor, sarcasm, or body language
- Avoiding talking getting frustrated when asked to communicate
How Speech and Language Skills Impact Daily Life
Strong communication skills are important for nearly every part of your child’s day. For example, kids use all kinds of speech and language skills to:
- Ask the teacher questions in class
- Introduce themselves to other kids
- Tell parents or guardians what they need
- Share stories about their day or retell what happened at school
- Join in group games or conversations at recess
- Follow multi-step directions in the classroom
- Explain their feelings when upset or excited
- Advocate for their own needs and establish personal boundaries
When children struggle with speech or language skills, all of the situations above can feel harder than they should. Our speech therapists work with kids to build the tools they need to ask questions, make friends, share ideas, and confidently handle these daily challenges.
Why Early Support for Speech and Language Delays Matters
Early support can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly your child develops the skills they need to thrive. During early childhood, the brain is especially ready to learn new skills, which is how therapy can help kids make progress faster and with less frustration.
When speech and language challenges are addressed early, your child can be better equipped to:
- Keep up with reading and writing in school
- Build confidence speaking in front of teachers and classmates
- Form friendships and join in play without fear of being misunderstood
- Express their needs clearly at home and in the community
It’s never too late to start therapy, but the sooner your child receives help, the more opportunities they’ll have to grow with confidence.
Connect with Little Hands at Play to Support Your Child’s Communication Skills
Every child learns at their own pace. But, if you’ve noticed several of the signs of a speech or language delay mentioned above, it may be time to consider professional support. Our expert speech therapists can provide the tools your child needs to thrive.
If you’re local to Fort Smith or Fayetteville, our team at Little Hands at Play is here to help. Call us today at (479) 226-3409 to schedule a speech therapy evaluation and give your child the support they need for a lifetime of successful communication.
