Is your toddler struggling to communicate? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many families wonder when to seek extra support for their child’s speech development, and what speech therapy will look like once they do. Whether your child is saying only a few words or not speaking at all, understanding early communication milestones can help you take confident next steps.
This guide will walk you through what toddler speech therapy is, when to consider getting started, and what to expect along the way.
What Is Speech Therapy for Toddlers?
Speech therapy helps children learn how to communicate more clearly, effectively, and confidently. For toddlers, it may involve working on:
- Making specific sounds or words
- Learning how to combine words into short phrases
- Building vocabulary
- Following directions or answering questions
At Fluens Children’s Therapy, our Speech-Language Pathologists tailor therapy to each child’s needs. That might look like practicing sounds through play, working on turn-taking during conversation, or helping your child understand basic concepts like “in,” “on,” or “under.”
Speech therapy for toddlers often incorporates fun and familiar items like picture books, toys, or everyday routines. These familiar elements help children feel at ease and make it easier to engage them in meaningful communication practice.
When to Start Speech Therapy
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are signs that may indicate your toddler could benefit from speech therapy. Early intervention is important. The earlier your child gets support, the easier it is to build a strong foundation for future communication.
Here are some general milestones:
- By 12 months: Your child should use simple gestures (like waving or pointing), make different sounds, and say a few words like “mama” or “dada.”
- By 18 months: They should use around 10–20 words, follow simple directions, and begin combining gestures with words.
- By 24 months: Your child should use two-word phrases and have a vocabulary of at least 50 words.
If your child is not meeting these milestones, seems frustrated when trying to communicate, or is difficult for others to understand, a speech evaluation can help identify whether therapy is needed.
Signs Your Toddler May Benefit from Speech Therapy
If you’re not sure whether your child needs speech therapy, here are a few common signs to watch for:
- Limited babbling or cooing as an infant
- Not using gestures like pointing or waving by 12 months
- Not saying at least 10 words by 18 months
- Difficulty putting two words together by age 2
- Hard to understand even for close family members
- Frequent tantrums or frustration related to communication
These challenges don’t always mean something serious, but they are worth exploring with a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist.
Benefits of Early Speech Therapy
Getting support early can make a big difference in your child’s development. At Fluens Children’s Therapy, our team focuses on helping children become confident, successful communicators by creating a strong foundation for language, learning, and connection.
Early therapy can support your child in:
- Building functional communication skills that make everyday routines easier
- Reducing frustration and improving emotional regulation
- Playing and socially interacting with family and peers
- Preparing for academic success through strong listening and speaking skills
- Encouraging independence and self-expression through improved communication
These benefits are especially important in the toddler years, when children are developing the foundational skills they will use for school, friendships, and everyday life. The sooner support begins, the more opportunities a child has to reach their full potential.
Our therapy approach is family-centered and designed to meet your child where they are, whether that’s through play-based sessions, feeding support, or language-building strategies.
What to Expect During a Speech Therapy Evaluation
The first step is a speech evaluation, where a Speech-Language Pathologist will observe your child, ask about their development, and interact with them through play or conversation.
They’ll look at things like how your child:
- Plays and interacts with others
- Uses words and sounds to communicate
- Responds to simple instructions
- Uses gestures or facial expressions
You may also be asked to share your own observations. This helps create a more complete picture of how your child is doing at home and in daily life.
After the evaluation, you’ll get a summary of findings and a recommendation. If therapy is needed, the Speech-Language Pathologist will work with you to develop a personalized plan.
What Speech Therapy Sessions Look Like
At Fluens Children’s Therapy, speech therapy is always child-centered. That means we use activities your toddler enjoys to help them learn. Therapy may include:
- Engaging in play-based exercises like puzzles, pretend play, or singing
- Modeling new words or sounds during play
- Using visual aids or toys to support learning
- Teaching turn-taking, eye contact, and listening skills
Sessions are designed to be fun and engaging. Therapy might look like a regular play session to your child. Therapists use repetition, encouragement, and modeling to help kids feel confident and motivated.
Progress is carefully tracked through notes, periodic assessments, and collaboration with caregivers. Your child will work directly with a Speech-Language Pathologist, who will celebrate progress along the way and adjust goals to match their growing needs.
Therapy is typically once or twice per week and usually lasts 30 minutes per session. Parents are often encouraged to participate or practice strategies at home between sessions.
How Parents Can Support Progress at Home
Parents play an essential role in supporting their child’s communication development. Here are some easy ways to reinforce what your child is learning:
- Talk often: Narrate your actions throughout the day, even if your child doesn’t respond.
- Read together: Choose picture books and ask questions like, “What’s this?” or “Where’s the dog?”
- Pause for responses: Give your child time to respond before jumping in.
- Expand their vocabulary: If they say “car,” you can say, “Yes! A red car is driving fast.”
- Sing songs and rhymes: Music helps children learn rhythm, repetition, and new words.
- Create routines: Use the same words and phrases during everyday tasks.
- Celebrate small wins: Encourage every effort, even if it’s not perfect.
Common Myths About Toddler Speech Delays
Let’s bust a few common myths:
- “They’ll grow out of it.” Some do, but others need extra support to thrive.
- “Boys talk later than girls.” Gender differences exist, but consistent delays should still be evaluated.
- “It’s just because they’re learning two languages.” Bilingual kids still need to hit key milestones in at least one language.
In-Person vs. Online Therapy: What’s Best?
Fluens offers both options, and each has benefits:
- In-person therapy: Great for hands-on activities and social development.
- Online therapy: Flexible and accessible, with strong parent involvement.
We’ll help you decide what’s best for your child and family.
Why Families Trust Fluens Children’s Therapy
Fluens Children’s Therapy was founded in 2016 by Jessica Abawag, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who believes in making therapy fun, functional, and family-centered. Located in University Place, WA, we serve children across a wide range of speech and feeding needs, including:
- Speech delays and articulation challenges
- Childhood apraxia of speech
- Language delays, including those related to autism
- Picky eating and feeding difficulties
- We offer in-person and online sessions to meet families where they are.
Common Speech and Language Challenges in Toddlers
Speech and language challenges can look different for every child. At Fluens Children’s Therapy, our pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists are experienced in supporting toddlers with a wide range of communication needs.
Here are some of the common conditions and challenges we work with
• Speech or language delay
• Childhood apraxia of speech
• Articulation or speech sound disorders
• Stuttering or cluttering
• Difficulty understanding others
• Trouble expressing needs and ideas
• Autism-related communication challenges
• Sensory processing differences affecting communication
If your child has one of these diagnoses, or if you’re simply concerned that something doesn’t feel quite right, we encourage you to reach out. Early support can make a big difference in how your child communicates and connects with the world.
Worried About Your Child’s Speech? Download Our Free Guide
Not sure if your toddler is meeting expected milestones? Wondering if it’s time to take action, even when others say to “wait and see”?
We’ve created a free resource just for you: “Trust Your Gut: 7 Signs Your Toddler Needs Help with Speech.” This simple guide can help you feel more confident about what to look for and when to seek help.
Download the guide here
Why Choose Fluens Children’s Therapy?
At Fluens, we believe that communication is the key to building strong relationships and independence. Our mission is to empower children with the skills they need to express themselves with confidence whether that be at home, in school, and in their community.
We partner with families to reduce stress, create more connection, and bring joy to daily routines. Whether your child is struggling with speech sounds, language delays, or picky eating, we’re here to help every step of the way
FAQs About Toddler Speech Therapy
How long will my child need speech therapy?
It depends on your child’s needs. Some children make progress in a few months; others may benefit from longer-term support. Your Fluens Children’s Therapy Speech-Language Pathologist will guide each session, celebrate progress, and update goals to fit your child’s needs.
Can I attend sessions with my child?
Yes! We encourage parent involvement during and between sessions. This helps reinforce communication strategies and supports progress at home.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance plans require it. Our team can help guide you through the process and let you know what’s needed for coverage.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re concerned about your toddler’s speech, trust your instincts. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s ability to communicate with confidence.
If you’re ready to take the next step, click here to contact Fluens Children’s Therapy.