Is your child on track with their speech and language development? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder if their child is hitting milestones “on time” or if they should reach out to an expert. The truth is, every child grows and learns at their own pace—but knowing what to watch for can make a huge difference.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s typical for speech and language development, what might be a red flag, and how our team at Rebound can help your child build their communication skills.
Speech and Language Milestones to Watch
Here’s a quick guide to help you track your child’s progress. Remember, these are general guidelines. If your child seems to be on track, but you’re still worried, an evaluation from our speech therapists can help you get the answers you need.
By 6 Months
- Makes happy sounds like “squealing.”
- Sticks their tongue out and blows air.
- Makes sounds back and forth with you, like a conversation.
By 12 Months
- Responds to their name and simple words like “no” or “bye-bye.”
- Babbles with different sounds, like “ba-ba” or “da-da.”
- Uses gestures, like pointing or waving, to express themselves.
By 18 Months
- Says 3 or more words and understands even more.
- Points to show you something interesting.
- Follows simple one-step directions.
By 2 Years
- Starts combining at least two words into simple sentences (e.g., “more snack”).
- Knows and uses about 50-100 different words.
- Points to things when you ask where they are.
- Uses gestures like nodding their head “yes” or giving kisses.
By 3 Years
- Holds short conversations with you.
- Knows and uses at least 200 words.
- Speaks well enough for others to understand them more often than not.
- Asks a ton of questions.
When to Take a Closer Look
While all kids grow at their own pace, some signs might mean it’s time to get extra support. For example:
- By 12 months: Your child isn’t responding to their name or babbling.
- By 18 months: They aren’t saying at least a few words or pointing to communicate.
- By 2 years: They’re not combining words or seem to have trouble understanding you.
- By 3 years: Their speech is hard to understand, or they avoid trying to talk.
Our best advice is to trust your gut. You know your child best, and early support can make a big difference.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech therapy is a fantastic tool that can help your child express themselves and connect with the people around them. At Rebound Physical Therapy, our speech therapists:
- Get to know your child and what makes them unique.
- Create personalized plans to help them overcome their challenges.
- Use fun, play-based activities to encourage progress.
- Use evidence-based methods to get results.
Reach Out to Rebound for Expert Support
If you’re worried about your child’s speech or language development, let’s chat. At Rebound Physical Therapy, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Give us a call at (785) 367-3079 today to schedule a consultation with one of our speech therapists. Together, we’ll help your child build their communication skills so they can share their ideas, make friends, learn, and grow!
