Start Here
Disclamer. Information on this website is for educational purposes and not a replacement for speech therapy.
If you feel your child may need speech therapy, seek a professional evaluation.
Does My Child Need Speech Services?
Step 1) Is your child meeting their developmental milestones?
Take a look at what developmental milestones are expected for your child based on their age.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Have your child screened for a speech and language evaluation if you have concerns.
Step 2) Have your child screened by a speech therapist.
Doctors referral
Talk to a doctor if you have concerns about your child's development. Your doctor may to refer you to a speech-language pathologist for a screening. Many pediatricians are not trained in speech and language development. Consider reaching out to a speech therapist directly if your concerns are not addressed.
No Doctors referral
You do not need a doctors referral to have your child screened. All states are required to screen any child at risk for delays in speech or language.
Who to call
State Speech Screenings
Ages birth - 2:11 years old. Contact your state’s Early Intervention Office.
Ages 3-5. Head Start. Locate a Head Start Program
School-age children. Request an evaluation through your child’s school by following these steps.
Speech services fall under special education.
Insurance and Private Pay Speech Screenings
Step 3: Get an evaluation if needed.
A speech evaluation will give you detailed information about your child’s communication skills.
The speech therapist may gather information in the following areas:
social skills
understanding and use of language
how clearly your child speaks
other areas of concerns
An evaluation may take an hour or longer to complete.
The speech therapist will share the results with you after the evaluation. This may take several weeks, but no longer than 2 months.
Results may indicate:
No services are needed
Your child has a mild delay but does not qualify for services
Your child qualifies for speech therapy. Schedule a meeting to set up a plan for services.
Follow your child’s growth with a free developmental milestones checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ How old does my child need to be?
Children of any age (even under 1) can receive services. If you have concerns, don't wait to have your child tested (Step 1).
+ How do I know if my child needs speech?
Look to see if your child is meeting their developmental milestones for communication (Step 1).
+ What if my doctor told me to wait and see?
Don't wait. If you have concerns, it is important to have your child screened (Step 2).
+ How much does speech therapy cost?
If your child is found to be eligible, they can receive free speech therapy through your state. Children birth to three receive services through your state's Early Intervention program. If they are ages 3-18, contact your local school district's special education department for services. (Step 2)
Speech Therapy can also be provided through local clinics and private practices. Some accept insurance or work as out-of-network/private pay providers. Click here to find a licensed speech-language pathologist in your area.
+ What if my child doesn't qualify?
Not all children with delays qualify for services. Continue to monitor your child’s development by using the developmental milestones. Ask your child’s doctor or teacher for additional resources.
You may find information and activities you can do at home to support your child on this website.
Late Talkers
SLP Terminology You Need to Know
Ask a Speech Therapist: Developmental Milestones
How to Help Your Late Talker: Focus on Basic Communication Skills
How to Support Your Late Talker's Behavior
Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby's First Words
Does Your Little One Have a Language Delay? Wait Time Will Help
Ideas for Building Speech and Language at Home
7 Easy Ideas Families Can do to Help Develop Language Skills at Home
Ideas for Increasing Language by Having Kids Help out at Home
Speech Therapy Activities During Daily Routines That Increase Family Engagement
How to Teach Language to Your Preschooler at Home
NICU
The ups and downs of life in the NICU from a first-time parent
Autism
Are You Seeing Signs of Autism? Here's What You Need to Know
Sources
“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Oct. 2017, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html.
“Your Child's Communication Development: Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, www.asha.org/public/speech/development/communicationdevelopment/.