Shall we go for Speech Therapy or wait?

Shall We Go for Speech Therapy or Wait? Understanding Speech Development in Toddlers

As a parent of a 2-year-old, you might find yourself wondering if your child's speech development is on track. If you're observing speech issues, it’s natural to question whether you should seek speech therapy or give it more time. This decision can feel daunting, but with some guidance, you can make an informed choice.

Understanding Typical Speech Development

At 2 years old, children usually start combining words to form simple sentences like "more juice" or "big truck." Some key milestones include:

• At 12-18 months: Saying first words like "mama," "dada," or names of objects.

• By 2 years: Using 50-100 words, combining two to three words together, and starting to imitate words they hear.

That said, each child develops at their own pace. Some may speak later than others but still fall within the range of typical development.

When to Be Concerned About Speech

While slight delays can be normal, there are certain signs that might indicate a need for further evaluation:

• Limited vocabulary: If your child isn't saying at least 50 words by age 2.

• Not combining words: If your child isn’t beginning to form two-word combinations.

• Difficulty imitating sounds or actions: This could indicate an issue with understanding language or processing sounds.

• Frustration with communication: Your child may get frustrated because they can’t express themselves verbally.

If you’re noticing these signs, it may be worth consulting a speech therapist.

Speech Therapy: When to Seek Help

Speech therapy can help children who are experiencing delays in speech or language. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses your child’s communication skills and provides interventions designed to improve their speech development. Early intervention is often recommended because it can make a big difference.

If your child is showing signs of speech delay, consulting an SLP doesn’t mean they will be in therapy long term. In many cases, a few sessions are enough to give parents the tools and strategies they need to support their child’s language at home.

The “Wait and See” Approach

For some children, a speech delay may be a temporary issue that resolves itself with time. But even with consistent efforts and providing appropriate stimulatory environments does not make any change, then early intervention is usually better than waiting too long.

What Can You Do at Home?

While you decide whether to pursue speech therapy, there are activities you can do at home to encourage your child’s speech:

• Talk often: Narrate your day and engage your child in conversations.

• Read books: Reading exposes your child to new words and language structures.

• Sing songs: Songs with repetitive phrases help reinforce language.

• Limit screen time: Too much screen time can reduce verbal interaction.

• Create environment: Create an environment so that a child express his needs verbally or non-verbally.

These activities create a language-rich environment, which is key for speech development.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to pursue speech therapy or wait depends on your observations and concerns. If your child is showing some speech issues, consulting a speech therapist for an evaluation is never a bad step. Early intervention can help them overcome delays, but every child is unique, and some simply need more time. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and seek professional advice when in doubt.

If you’re still unsure, an initial consultation with a speech therapist can give you peace of mind and offer clarity on the best course of action for your child.