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Should I Wait to Get an Evaluation for Speech Therapy?

Written by Kristie Owens

April 2025

As parents, we all want the best for our children and part of that is making sure they are developing the skills they need to thrive. But what if your toddler is not talking as much as other children? What if your kindergartner still says “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”? Or what if your child simply struggles to express themselves?

It is completely normal to wonder, “Is this just a phase, or should I be concerned?”

That is where a speech-language therapy evaluation becomes important. It is not about labeling your child, it is about understanding them better and giving them the support they need. Here is what you need to know about when and why to seek a speech-language therapy evaluation for your child.

What Is a Speech-language therapy Evaluation?

A speech-language therapy evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). It looks at how well your child understands and uses language, how clearly, they speak, and how effectively they communicate with others.

An SLP will evaluate the following:

  • How your child understands and follows directions

  • How they express themselves with words and sentences

  • Whether they pronounce sounds clearly

  • How fluent their speech is (for example, stuttering)

  • How they use their voice

  • Their social communication skills (such as taking turns in conversation)

The SLP will also consider parent concerns. If your child needs additional help, the SLP will work with you to create a plan that supports their growth and development.

Signs Your Child May Need a Speech Evaluation.

Speech and language skills develop rapidly in early childhood. While each child grows at their own pace, there are key milestones that help us track progress. If your child is not meeting these milestones, a speech-language evaluation can help identify delays early, and give them the support they need to thrive.

Birth to 1 Year

Babies begin learning communication from birth through eye contact, babbling, and responding to voices. Consider an evaluation if your child:

  • Doesn’t smile or interact with others by 3 months

  • Doesn’t babble (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”) by 6–9 months

  • Doesn’t respond to their name by around 9 months

  • Shows limited use of gestures like pointing or waving

  • Doesn’t attempt to imitate sounds or words

1 to 2 Years

This is a big year for first words and learning to understand simple instructions. Possible concerns include:

  • Not saying at least a few words by 15 months

  • Not using new words regularly by 18 months

  • Limited ability to follow simple directions (like “come here”)

  • Rarely using gestures or combining words with actions

  • Not pointing to show interest (e.g., pointing at a dog or toy)

2 to 3 Years

By this age, children begin combining words and expressing more ideas. An evaluation may be helpful if your child:

  • Has a vocabulary of fewer than 50 words

  • Isn’t combining two words by age 2 (like “more juice” or “go car”)

  • Is difficult to understand, even to familiar adults

  • Struggles to follow simple two-step directions (e.g., “Get your shoes and bring them here”)

  • Doesn’t ask for help or show interest in talking with others

3 to 4 Years

  • Speech that’s hard for others to understand

  • Frequent sound errors (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”) beyond age 3

  • Limited vocabulary or difficulty forming complete sentences

  • Trouble answering questions or telling simple stories

  • Avoidance of talking due to frustration

Preschoolers’ language becomes more complex as they start to use longer sentences, ask questions, and engage in conversations. Look for:

4 to 5 Years

Children are preparing for kindergarten and should be able to express themselves clearly. Consider an evaluation if your child:

  • Struggles to be understood by unfamiliar listeners

  • Uses incorrect grammar or sentence structure

  • Has difficulty staying on topic or organizing thoughts

  • Can’t follow directions with multiple steps

  • Doesn’t engage in pretend play or conversations with peers

5+ Years (School-Age)

Speech and language are deeply connected to school success. As academic and social demands grow, so do communication expectations. Look out for:

  • Problems following classroom directions

  • Difficulty retelling stories, sharing ideas, or staying organized when speaking

  • Trouble learning new vocabulary or concepts

  • Reading and writing challenges tied to language delays

  • Speaking in a flat tone, or with a hoarse, nasal, or stuttering speech pattern

  • Struggles with jokes, sarcasm, or understanding others’ points of view

  • Social difficulties due to communication issues

Early support makes a big difference. A timely evaluation can help your child gain the skills they need to connect, express, and succeed.

What If My Child Has a Diagnosis (Such as Autism)?

If your child has a diagnosis such as autism, Down syndrome, or another developmental difference, you might wonder what this means for their communication and overall development. It is completely natural to have questions, and you are not alone.

Children with developmental differences often have unique speech and language needs. Some may speak fluently, while others may use very few words, or none at all. Many children fall somewhere in between. It is important to remember that communication includes more than just spoken words. It involves gestures, body language, social interaction, and the ability to understand others and express thoughts clearly.

Even if your child is talkative, you might still notice challenges. They might repeat words or phrases (known as echolalia), have difficulty staying on topic during a conversation, or struggle to pick up on social cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice. Some children may use scripting, which means repeating lines from movies, books, or conversations they have heard before. While scripting can sometimes be confusing to others, it often serves a meaningful purpose for the child, helping them process language, express feelings, or navigate social interactions. With support, children can learn how to expand on these scripts and use language more flexibly and spontaneously.

Some children may also find it difficult to follow directions, ask for help, or explain how they feel. These are all areas where speech and language support can make a meaningful difference.

The goal is not just to identify challenges, it is about discovering your child’s strengths and building on them. With the right support, many children make incredible progress in how they connect, share, and express themselves.

For children who are nonverbal or have limited speech, speech-language therapy can open the door to something incredibly powerful: AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes tools such as picture boards, communication books, speech-generating devices, or apps on tablets. These systems give children a voice, sometimes for the very first time.

Introducing AAC does not mean giving up on spoken language. In fact, many children continue to develop speech while using AAC. It simply provides a way to reduce frustration and help them express needs, make choices, and connect with others, whether through pointing to pictures, pressing buttons on a device, or combining visuals

and sounds.

Every child deserves the chance to communicate, and AAC can be life-changing. It empowers children to be heard, to participate more fully in their world, and to build stronger relationships with the people around them.

Trust Your Instincts

You know your child best. If something does not feel right, it is okay to ask questions and seek answers. Sometimes, it is difficult to tell whether a delay is something your child will outgrow or something that requires support. That is why evaluations are so important, they offer clarity and direction. Remember, seeking an evaluation is not about labeling your child, it is about giving them the best chance to succeed. Every child deserves to feel confident, understood, and connected.

Final Thoughts

Speech and language skills are essential for learning, building friendships, and managing everyday life. If your child is struggling, early intervention can make all the difference. Do not wait. Ask questions, reach out for support, and know that you are making a positive, proactive choice.

If your child is nonverbal or has limited speech, there are always ways to help them communicate. AAC can give your child a voice, sometimes for the very first time. Whether through pictures, a speech-generating device, or an app on a tablet, AAC allows children to express themselves, make choices, and feel heard. It bridges the gap and opens new possibilities.

Every child deserves the opportunity to be understood. Trust your instincts. Seeking a speech evaluation is not about identifying a problem, it is a proactive step to support your child in reaching their full potential and communicating in their own unique way.

How to Get Your Child Started at Playful Paths Speech Therapy

Getting started with Playful Paths is easy and supportive every step of the way! Here’s how the process works:

1. Submit a Request

Fill out our simple submission form here and you’re on your way!

2. Let’s Connect

A coordinating therapist will reach out to schedule either an initial evaluation or a consultation (if your child has a current or recent plan of care from another therapist). This first conversation is completely free of charge!

3. Review Your Welcome Paperwork

You’ll receive our complimentary evaluation or consultation agreement to review and sign before services begin.

4. Meet in a Comfortable Setting

Your therapist will meet you and your child at a location that works best for you, whether that's at home, daycare, or another familiar place. During this visit, your therapist will provide initial recommendations and may include an addendum to your child’s existing plan of care if needed.

5. Receive a Detailed Evaluation Report

Following the evaluation, your therapist will prepare a thorough speech-language report, including assessment scores, recommended session frequency, therapy intensity, and individualized goals within a personalized plan of care. This report will be shared directly with you.

6. Begin Services When You’re Ready

If you’d like to move forward with therapy, we’ll provide you with the Playful Paths Services Agreement to review and sign.

7. Start the Path to Progress

Once paperwork is complete, your therapist will reach out to schedule regular weekly sessions. From there, we’ll begin working together to help your child build stronger communication skills and celebrate every step of progress!

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Communication milestones: age ranges. https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones/