When Should You Be Concerned?
Every child develops at their own pace — and that's completely normal. But when it comes to speech and language, there are certain signs that suggest your child may benefit from professional support. The tricky part is knowing the difference between "they'll catch up" and "they need help."
As speech-language pathologists, we hear from parents all the time who say, "I had a feeling something was off, but I wasn't sure if I was overreacting." You're not overreacting. If something feels off, it's always worth looking into.
Here are seven signs that your child might benefit from a speech therapy evaluation — and what each one looks like in everyday life.
1. Other People Have Trouble Understanding Your Child
You understand your child just fine. You've learned their shortcuts, their patterns, and their way of saying things. But when grandparents, teachers, or other kids struggle to follow what your child is saying, that's a meaningful signal.
What this looks like: Your child tells a story at the dinner table and a family member looks to you for a "translation." Their teacher mentions that they have a hard time understanding your child during class. Playdates involve a lot of "what did you say?" from other kids.
By age 4, unfamiliar listeners should be able to understand about 75% of what your child says. By school age, speech should be almost entirely clear to everyone — not just the people who know your child best.
2. Your Child Avoids Speaking in Certain Situations
Some children learn to work around their speech difficulties. Instead of risking being misunderstood, they stay quiet. They might be chatty at home but silent at school, or they might avoid talking to people they don't know well.
What this looks like: Your child won't raise their hand in class. They point or gesture instead of using words when talking to unfamiliar people. They choose different words to avoid sounds they struggle with — saying "puppy" instead of "dog" because they can't say the D sound clearly.
This avoidance can look like shyness, but it's often a coping strategy for a speech or language difficulty.
3. Your Child Gets Frustrated When Communicating
When kids can't get their message across, it's incredibly frustrating — for them and for you. If your child frequently melts down, shuts down, or gives up when trying to communicate, that frustration may be rooted in a speech or language challenge.
What this looks like: Your child gets upset when you ask them to repeat themselves. They cry or tantrum when they can't express what they want. They say "never mind" and walk away instead of trying again. They seem angry or withdrawn after social interactions.
Children who are struggling to communicate often show it through their behavior before anyone identifies a speech concern.
4. Your Child Seems Behind on Speech and Language Milestones
Milestones are general guides, not rigid rules — but they exist for a reason. If your child is significantly behind where most children their age are in terms of how they talk, how much they say, or how well they understand language, that's a sign to look into it.
What this looks like: Your child uses shorter sentences than their peers. They have trouble telling a story in the right order. They struggle to follow directions that other kids their age handle easily. Their vocabulary seems limited compared to classmates.
If you're not sure what's expected at your child's age, that's exactly what a screening can help clarify.
5. Your Child Has Difficulty With Reading or Spelling
Speech and literacy are deeply connected. Children often read and spell words the way they say them. If your child has trouble with certain speech sounds, that difficulty can show up in their schoolwork too.
What this looks like: Your child writes "wun" instead of run or "fink" instead of think. They struggle to sound out new words when reading. They mix up similar-sounding words. Spelling tests are a constant battle, even with practice.
Many parents don't realize that a speech-language evaluation can uncover the root cause of reading and spelling struggles — it's not always a "learning disability" in the traditional sense.
6. Your Child Is Struggling Socially
Communication is the foundation of friendship. When a child has trouble expressing themselves, understanding social cues, or keeping up in conversations, it can affect their ability to connect with peers.
What this looks like: Your child plays alone at recess more than you'd expect. They have trouble joining group conversations. Other kids seem to lose patience when your child is talking. They come home upset about interactions with classmates but can't fully explain what happened.
Social difficulties don't always mean a child needs social skills training — sometimes improving their speech and language skills gives them the tools they need to connect.
7. A Teacher or Pediatrician Has Raised a Concern
Teachers see your child in a very different context than you do. They're observing how your child communicates compared to 20 or 30 other kids the same age. Pediatricians are tracking developmental milestones at every visit. When either of these professionals mentions a concern, it's worth taking seriously.
What this looks like: Your child's teacher mentions that they're hard to understand in class, or that their language skills seem behind. Your pediatrician recommends a speech evaluation at a well-child visit. A school screening flags your child for follow-up.
Even if your child seems fine at home, trust the observation. Children often perform differently in structured, high-demand environments like school.
If You Recognize Any of These Signs
First: take a breath. Recognizing a concern is not the same as getting a diagnosis. Many of the children we work with had parents who noticed something early, followed up, and got their child the support they needed quickly. Early action leads to better outcomes — and a lot less stress down the road.
You don't need a referral, you don't need to be sure there's a problem, and you don't need to wait for school to bring it up. A quick screening can give you clarity.
What Does a Speech Screening Involve?
A speech screening is a short, informal check — not a full evaluation. Here's what to expect:
- It takes about 15 minutes over a video call
- Your child will have a conversation and say some words so we can listen to their speech and language
- We'll ask you about your concerns and what you've been noticing
- You'll get honest, clear feedback right away
- If further evaluation is recommended, we'll explain exactly what that involves and why
There's no commitment, no pressure, and no cost. It's simply a chance to get a professional perspective on where your child stands.
Take the Next Step
If any of these signs sound familiar, trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone, and reaching out is never the wrong call.
Strategic Speech Solutions offers free 15-minute speech screenings for children across New York and New Jersey — all via telehealth, from the comfort of your home. No waitlist, no referral needed.
Schedule your free screening here or call or text (917) 426-7007 to get started.