Speech Therapy:

Helping Every Voice Be Heard

Speech therapy helps children improve their ability to communicate — whether that means learning to form sounds, build vocabulary, understand language, or use alternative ways to express themselves.

Therapy is led by professionals called speech-language pathologists (SLPs), who evaluate your child’s strengths and challenges, then create a plan that fits their age and needs.

Speech therapy isn’t just about talking — it can also support:

Understanding words and following directions
Building sentence structure
Improving pronunciation and clarity
Social communication and conversation skills
Nonverbal communication, such as gestures or eye contact
Feeding and swallowing development (for some children)

When to Consider Speech Therapy

Every child develops at their own pace — but if your child isn’t meeting speech or language milestones, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation.

You may want to talk to your pediatrician or a licensed SLP if your child:

Isn’t using words by 18 months
Has difficulty being understood by family or peers after age 3
Doesn’t respond to questions or directions
Seems frustrated when trying to communicate
Has a limited vocabulary or rarely combines words
Doesn’t imitate sounds or gestures

Early intervention can make a big difference — the earlier support begins, the easier it is to close developmental gaps.

How Speech Therapy Works

Speech therapy sessions often look more like play than “work.” Therapists use fun, interactive activities like games, songs, books, and toys to help children practice communication in natural ways.

Therapy can take place in different settings — such as a clinic, school, or even at home through early intervention programs. For very young children (under 3), most states offer free early intervention services through public programs.

How Families Can Support Speech at Home

You are your child’s first and most important teacher. There are many simple ways to support speech and language development every day:

Talk about what you’re doing throughout the day (“We’re putting on your shoes — one, two!”).
Read together — picture books build vocabulary and attention.
Encourage your child to point, gesture, or use signs if words are hard.
Model correct pronunciation, but don’t pressure your child to repeat.
Celebrate effort — every sound, word, and gesture counts as progress!

Understanding the Bigger Picture

Sometimes, a speech delay is just that — a delay. Other times, it may be part of a broader developmental difference, such as autism, hearing loss, or a motor speech disorder. An evaluation by a licensed SLP can help clarify what’s happening and guide you to the right resources.

If your child needs additional support, speech therapy can often be combined with occupational therapy, ABA, or educational services to create a more complete plan.

Finding Help and Resources

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few trusted options:

Pediatrician referral – ask for a developmental or speech evaluation.
Early Intervention Programs (ages 0–3) – free or low-cost services through your state.
School-based speech therapy – available through your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Private speech-language pathologists – can offer evaluations and individualized sessions.

You can also connect with local parent support groups or national organizations such as:

You’re Not Alone

Speech delays can be frustrating, but they’re also incredibly common — and highly treatable. With time, patience, and the right guidance, most children make wonderful progress.

This page exists to help you understand your child’s communication journey and connect you with the tools and resources that can make a real difference.

You don’t have to have all the answers right now — just the willingness to take the first step.