Does My Child Need Speech Therapy? Signs to Watch For

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. So when something feels off, especially in how they speak or communicate, it’s only natural to be concerned. Maybe your toddler isn’t saying many words yet, or your preschooler is difficult to understand. These are common worries, and in many cases, early intervention can make a big difference. If you're in the area, looking into speech therapy for kids in Devils Lake could be a helpful next step in supporting your child’s communication development.

But how can you tell the difference between a late bloomer and a child who might benefit from therapy? Let’s take a closer look at what’s considered typical, and what might be a sign to seek support.

What’s Considered Normal Speech Development?

Every child develops at their own pace, but general milestones offer a helpful guide.

By 12 months: Your child may begin saying a few simple words like “mama” or “dada,” and respond to their name.

By 18 months: Vocabulary typically grows to 10–20 words. Children at this age also begin using gestures and copying sounds.

By 2 years: Your child may be combining two words ("want milk," "go outside") and using 50+ words.

By 3 years: Most kids can be understood by familiar adults about 75% of the time.

By 4 years: Your child should be forming complete sentences and be mostly understandable, even to unfamiliar people.

If your child is significantly behind in these areas, it might be time to explore options like speech delay therapy to support their development.

Signs Your Child Might Need Help

Speech and language issues can appear in many forms. Here are a few common signs that might indicate a need for therapy:

• Limited vocabulary for their age
  
  
• Trouble combining words into sentences
  
  
• Difficulty understanding or following directions
  
  
• Slurred or unclear speech
  
  
• Frustration when trying to communicate
  
  
• Lack of interest in talking or social interaction
  
  

It’s also important to consider how your child’s speech is affecting daily life. Are they struggling to connect with peers, participate in school, or express their needs clearly? If so, reaching out to a professional may be the next right step.

What Does Speech Therapy Involve?

Speech therapy is more than just practicing sounds—it’s a customized approach based on a child’s unique needs. A licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) evaluates a child’s communication skills and creates a plan to help them strengthen those skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

For example, a therapist might work with a toddler on building vocabulary through play, or help a school-aged child improve sentence structure and pronunciation. In some cases, therapy may also focus on comprehension, memory, or social communication.

If you’re looking for support that fits your family’s needs and schedule, private speech therapy in Devils Lake offers a more flexible, personalized experience. This kind of one-on-one support can be especially helpful for kids who need a bit of extra attention or a tailored approach.

The Sooner, the Better

One of the biggest myths parents hear is, “They’ll grow out of it.” While that might be true for some children, waiting too long to act can make it harder to catch up later—especially when school and social pressures increase. Early intervention allows children to build strong communication skills while their brains are still in a critical stage of development.

And don’t worry, starting therapy doesn’t mean your child will be in it forever. Many kids only need support for a short period before they make big strides and catch up with their peers.

Finding the Right Help

If you’re in the Devils Lake area and wondering where to begin, there are several resourcesavailable. Whether through your child’s school, a pediatrician, or local providers, there are ways to get a speech evaluation and discuss next steps. Many families have found success by starting with speech delay therapy to address early challenges and then transitioning into ongoing support as needed.

For parents looking for a more focused experience, private speech therapy in Devils Lake can be a great option. SpeakStrong Therapy offers consistent scheduling, individualized attention, and the flexibility to work on your child’s specific goals without waiting lists or large group settings.

What If I’m Still Unsure?

If you’re on the fence, consider scheduling an evaluation. It doesn’t mean you’re committing to long-term therapy, it simply gives you information. Think of it as a wellness check for your child’s communication.

Many parents say they wish they had taken the step sooner, especially when they start to see their child grow in confidence, speak more clearly, and connect better with others.



Final Thoughts

Speech challenges are common—and treatable. If your gut tells you something’s off, it’s okay to trust that feeling and explore options. There’s no harm in getting more information, and there could be a lot of benefit.

Whether your child is just starting to talk or you’ve noticed some ongoing concerns, SpeakStrong offers speech therapy for kids in Devils Lake. With the right tools, patience, and encouragement, your child can find their voice and use it with confidence.