Resources for Parents

Explore helpful guides and tips to support your child’s speech and communication development

When Should I reach Out to a Speech Therapist?

Trust your instincts

As a speech-language pathologist, I often tell parents that every child develops at their own pace-but there are certain signs that tell us it's time to take a closer look. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's okay to ask questions early.

A speech therapist can help determine whether your child would benefit from services or simply needs more time and support.

Consider reaching out if your child:

Is not using words or has very few words by 18-24 months
Has trouble understanding simple directions
Is difficult for familiar people to understand
Becomes frustrated because they can't communicate their wants or needs
Is not combining words by around 2-3 years
Has lost words or communication skills they previously used

Consider reaching out if your child:

Early intervention works. Getting an evaluation doesn't mean something is "wrong"— it means we're being proactive and supportive of your child's growth."

Speech Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but these milestones can help you know what to expect as your child grows. Use this as a general guide-not a test. If you ever have concerns, trust your instincts and reach out for support.

0-6 months

Your baby may:

Make cooing and vowel sounds ("oo,", ah)
Cry in different ways to show needs
Smile and react to voices
Turn their head toward sounds
Enjoy face-to-face interaction

Consider reaching out if:

Your child is not babbling, making sounds, or using gestures like pointing or waving
Limited eye contact or social interaction

6-12 months

Your baby may:

Make cooing and vowel sounds ("oo,", ah)
Cry in different ways to show needs
Smile and react to voices
Turn their head toward sounds
Enjoy face-to-face interaction

Consider reaching out if:

Your child is not babbling, making sounds, or using gestures like pointing or waving
Limited eye contact or social interaction

12-18 months

Your baby may:

Make cooing and vowel sounds ("oo,", ah)
Cry in different ways to show needs
Smile and react to voices
Turn their head toward sounds
Enjoy face-to-face interaction

Consider reaching out if:

Your child is not babbling, making sounds, or using gestures like pointing or waving
Limited eye contact or social interaction

2-3 years

Your baby may:

Make cooing and vowel sounds ("oo,", ah)
Cry in different ways to show needs
Smile and react to voices
Turn their head toward sounds
Enjoy face-to-face interaction

Consider reaching out if:

Your child is not babbling, making sounds, or using gestures like pointing or waving
Limited eye contact or social interaction

At any age... Additional Concerns

Your baby may:

Make cooing and vowel sounds ("oo,", ah)
Cry in different ways to show needs
Smile and react to voices
Turn their head toward sounds
Enjoy face-to-face interaction

Consider reaching out if:

Your child is not babbling, making sounds, or using gestures like pointing or waving
Limited eye contact or social interaction

Parent Toolkit

Everyday Ways to Build Speech & Language

You don't need special materials to help your child build communication skills! Many common toddler toys can be powerful tools for encouraging language during play. Below are examples of toys you may already have at home and simple ways to use them to support speech and language development.

Mr. Potato Head

Supports: vocabulary, early phrases, turn taking

Name body parts (eyes, nose, arms)
Talk about clothing items
Practice core words: on, off, in, out
Encourage requests: more, help

Blocks (wooden, stacking, Duplo)

Supports: concepts; actions, early sentences

Name colors, shapes, or numbers
Use action words: build, stack, fall
Teach spatial words: on, under, next to
Practice requesting: more, help

Toy Cars

Supports: action words, turn taking

Model words like go, stop, crash
Practice concepts: up, down, in, out
Use sound effects (vroom, beep)
Practice requesting and waiting

Farm Sets or Animal Figures

Supports: vocabulary, pretend play

Name animals and make animal sounds
Use simple verbs: eat, sleep, jump
Talk about size: big/little
Ask simple questions: Where is the cow?

Play Kitchen or Toy Food

Supports: routines, functional language

Name foods and uterisils
Use action words: eat, cook, cut, stir
Practice core words: more, help, all done

Simple Puzzles

Supports: requesting, problem solving

Label pictures or objects
Encourage asking for help
Use words like in and out

Board Books

Supports: vocabulary, ustention, early literaty,

Name pictures and objects
Use simple phrases: turn page, all done
Encourage animal sounds and expand resps

Doils or People Figures

Supports: pretend play, taly routines

Name body parts and clothing
Act out routines: eat, sleep, bath
Model short phrases and simple sentences

Cause-and-Effect Toys

Supports: early communication, joint attention

Practice core words: go, stop, more
Model action words: push, open
Encourage waiting and turn taking

Bubbles

Supports: requesting, imitation

Model words like more, pop, go
Talk about actions: blow, pop
Practice waiting and turn taking

Fun Ways to Build Listening Skills at Home

Helping your child become a good listener doesn't have to feel like "therapy" In fact, some of the best learning happens during play, stories, and everyday moments together.