Every child develops differently — and "normal" covers a wide range. But some signs suggest your child might benefit from support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Catching these early makes a real difference.
As a CASLPO-registered SLP serving families in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, and Brooklin, one of the most common things I hear from parents is: "I wish I'd called sooner." Early intervention is one of the most well-supported approaches in speech therapy — research suggests that starting early can make a meaningful difference (ASHA, 2023; CDC, 2024).
Here are 10 signs that your toddler may benefit from a speech therapy assessment.
1. No Words by 12–15 Months
Most babies say their first words between 12 and 15 months. These don't have to be perfect — "baba" for bottle or "da" for dad absolutely counts. If your child isn't making any consistent attempts at words by 15 months, it's worth checking in with an SLP.
2. Fewer Than 50 Words by Age 2
By their second birthday, most children have a vocabulary of at least 50 words. These can be single words used meaningfully — not repeated scripts or words they only say once. If your 2-year-old has noticeably fewer words than their peers, an assessment is recommended.
3. Not Combining Two Words by Age 2
"More juice." "Daddy go." "Big dog." By 24 months, children typically begin stringing two words together spontaneously. If your child is mostly using single words or not combining ideas by age 2, this is one of the clearest early intervention signals.
4. Strangers Can't Understand Them
Around age 2, strangers should be able to understand about 50% of what your child says. By age 3, that rises to around 75%. By age 4, most of what a child says should be clear to anyone. If you find yourself constantly "translating" for others well past age 3, a speech assessment is a good next step.
5. You Can't Understand Them Either
Parents are usually the best decoders of their child's speech. If even you're struggling to understand your toddler most of the time — not just in noisy situations — that's a meaningful signal worth exploring.
6. Regression in Language
If your child was saying words and then stopped, or their language seems to be going backwards, take that seriously. Regression can happen around life changes (new baby, starting daycare), but a sudden or significant language regression should always be assessed.
7. Frustration or Tantrums Related to Communication
Children who can't communicate their needs often express that frustration physically — meltdowns, hitting, biting, or withdrawal. If your child frequently gets upset when they can't make themselves understood, a speech-language evaluation can identify whether communication challenges are contributing.
8. Limited Use of Gestures
By 12 months, children typically wave, point, and use gestures to communicate. Gesturing is actually a strong predictor of language development — children who gesture more tend to develop larger vocabularies. If your child rarely points, waves, or uses body language to communicate, this is worth noting.
9. Difficulty Understanding Simple Instructions
Speech and language is a two-way street. By 18 months, children should follow simple one-step instructions ("Give me the cup"). By age 2, they should manage two-step instructions ("Get your shoes and bring them here"). If following instructions seems harder than expected for their age, it may indicate a receptive language delay.
10. Concerns About Autism or Social Communication
Children with autism often show early signs in how they communicate — limited eye contact, not responding to their name, reduced interest in social interaction, or unusual use of language (echolalia). Speech therapy is one of the most evidence-based early supports for autistic children, and earlier is almost always better.
Quick Reference: Speech Milestones
What to Do If You're Concerned
The most important thing: trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off, an assessment is always worth doing — even if the result is reassurance that everything is on track.
In Ontario, you don't need a doctor's referral to see a private SLP. You can contact a registered speech-language pathologist directly, and most accept extended health insurance plans.
We offer free consultations for families in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, and Brooklin. There's no pressure — just a conversation about where your child is and whether therapy might help.
Common Questions
At what age should a child start talking?
Most children say their first words between 12 and 18 months. By age 2, they typically have 50+ words and are starting to combine two words (e.g., 'more milk'). If your child isn't reaching these milestones, it's worth consulting an SLP.
Is it normal for boys to talk later than girls?
Boys do tend to develop language slightly later than girls on average, but this doesn't mean speech delays should be ignored or waited out. If your son is significantly behind milestones, an early assessment can only help — not harm.
Will my child just 'catch up' on their own?
Some children do catch up naturally, but research suggests that early intervention is associated with stronger outcomes than waiting. If you're noticing signs of a delay, a professional assessment gives you clarity — and early therapy can prevent issues from compounding.
Do I need a doctor's referral for speech therapy?
No. Private speech therapy in Ontario does not require a physician's referral. You can contact a registered SLP directly to schedule an assessment. Some insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so check your benefits.