Is My Child Behind in Speech? A Milestone Checklist by Age (1-5)
Every parent compares. Your niece is talking in sentences, and your toddler mostly points.
Is that normal, or is your child behind in speech? This age-by-age checklist can help you decide whether it's time to talk with a pediatric speech therapist in Tulsa.
Milestones in this checklist are adapted from widely used public guidance, including the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Every child develops at their own pace. This list is a guide, not a diagnosis.
How to Use This Speech Milestone Checklist
Each age lists skills that most children show by that age. If your child is missing several, or you just have a nagging feeling, that's worth checking out.
Trust your gut. You know your child best.
Speech and Language Milestones by Age
By 12 Months
Waves bye-bye
Calls a parent "mama," "dada," or another special name
Understands "no" and pauses briefly
Babbles with a mix of sounds, like "bababa" or "dadada"
By 18 Months
Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
Follows one-step directions without gestures, like "Give it to me"
Points to show you something interesting
By 2 Years
Says at least two words together, like "more milk"
Points to things in a book when you ask
Points to at least two body parts when asked
Uses more gestures, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
By 3 Years
Talks with you in a back-and-forth conversation
Asks "who," "what," "where," or "why" questions
Says their first name when asked
Is understood by familiar adults most of the time
By 4 Years
Says sentences with four or more words
Says some words from a song, story, or rhyme
Talks about at least one thing that happened during the day
Answers simple questions, like "What is a coat for?"
By 5 Years
Tells a story with at least two events
Answers simple questions about a book after you read it
Keeps a conversation going with three or more back-and-forth turns
Is understood by most people, even strangers
Red Flags That Mean Don't Wait
Some signs deserve a prompt check, no matter your child's age.
Losing words or skills your child used to have
Not responding to their name or to sounds
Very few words by 18 months to 2 years
Frustration or meltdowns because they can't get their message across
Stuttering that worries you or your child
A hearing check is often a smart first step too. You can also review common reasons families seek speech therapy.
What a Speech Evaluation Looks Like
A speech-language pathologist plays and talks with your child to see how they understand, speak, and use language. It feels like play to most kids.
You'll leave with clear answers and, if needed, a plan with practical goals you can practice at home.
Speech Therapy in Broken Arrow and Tulsa
At Tulsa Sunshine Center, our speech-language pathologists help toddlers and kids with late talking, sound errors, language, and social communication. Our occupational therapy team works under the same roof.
If your family also needs ABA, it's available through our sister clinic, The Sunshine Academy.
Request a Speech Evaluation
Worried your child is behind in speech? Start your intake with Tulsa Sunshine Center.
Call 918-615-6492 with questions. We're at 2221 West Detroit Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Milestones
How many words should a 2-year-old say?
Most 2-year-olds use many single words and are starting to put two words together, like "more juice." If your child is not combining words by about age 2, a speech evaluation can help.
Is it okay to wait and see if my child catches up?
Some late talkers catch up, but it's hard to know which ones will. An evaluation gives you answers early, when support tends to work best.
Do I need a referral for speech therapy?
Many families start by completing our online intake form. Some insurance plans require a doctor's referral, and our team will help you check.
Comments