5 Signs Your Toddler May Need a Speech Evaluation: A Parent’s Guide 

As a parent, you are the world’s leading expert on your child. You notice the tiny nuances — the way they scrunch their nose when they’re happy or the specific sound they make when they want their favourite blanket. However, when it comes to communication, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a "late bloomer" and a child who needs professional support. 

Early intervention is the most powerful tool we have. If you are wondering whether your child’s development is on track, here are five evidence-based signs that it may be time to schedule a speech and language evaluation. 

1. Limited Use of Gestures by 12 Months 

Before a child speaks their first word, they communicate through gestures. Pointing, waving "bye-bye", and reaching up to be picked up are critical foundational blocks for language. 

If your 12-to-15-month-old isn't pointing at objects they want or showing you items of interest, it may indicate a delay in joint attention — the shared focus of two individuals on an object. This is often an early indicator for children with Autism or Global Developmental Delay (GDD). 

2. They Aren’t Using 50 Words by Age Two 

While every child develops at their own pace, the "50-word milestone" is a significant clinical marker. By 24 months, most toddlers have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and are beginning to put two words together (e.g., "More juice" or "Dog bark"). 

Note: "Words" don't have to be perfectly pronounced. Animal sounds (like "moo") and consistent word approximations (like "ba" for ball) count toward this total! 

3. Difficulty Following Simple Instructions 

Speech therapy isn't just about how a child speaks (expressive language); it’s also about how they understand (receptive language). 

By 18 to 24 months, a child should be able to follow simple, one-step commands without needing a visual gesture, such as "Go get your shoes" or "Put the toy in the box." If your child seems frustrated or "ignores" requests, it might be a processing challenge rather than a behavioural issue. 

4. Only You Can Understand What They Are Saying 

It is normal for toddlers to have "cute" mispronunciations. However, there is a general rule for speech intelligibility: 

• By Age 2: An unfamiliar listener should understand about 50% of what the child says. 

• By Age 3: An unfamiliar listener should understand about 75% of what the child says. 

If you find yourself constantly "translating" for your child because relatives or teachers cannot understand them, they may be struggling with a phonological disorder or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), where the brain struggles to plan the movements required for speech. 

5. Regression or Loss of Skills 

This is perhaps the most important sign. If your child was previously saying words, babbling, or making consistent eye contact and suddenly stops or loses those skills, it is vital to seek a speech and language assessment immediately. Regression can be a hallmark sign of several developmental conditions and warrants a professional look to ensure the right support is put in place. 

What Happens During a Speech Assessment? 

Many parents feel nervous about the "test" aspect, but a paediatric evaluation is designed to feel like play. At Speech Bubbles, our speech therapists are trained to use toys, books, and interactive games to observe: 

• Articulation: How they produce sounds. 

• Language: How they understand and use words. 

• Oral-Motor Skills: How the muscles in their mouth move. 

• Social Communication: How they interact and engage. 

Is Your Toddler Showing These Signs? 

If you recognised your child in any of the above descriptions, don’t panic – take action. Early intervention can significantly bridge the gap, helping your child find their voice and reducing the frustration that comes with being unable to communicate.