Field Notes · Speech & Language
Does my child need speech therapy? 8 signs parents notice
Sometimes a child knows exactly what they want to say but cannot get the words out clearly or confidently. Speech and language skills are how children share their world — and when communication gets in the way, parents usually sense it before anyone else.
Signs worth paying attention to
- 1 · Your child is hard to understand — even for family.
- 2 · They use fewer words than you’d expect for their age.
- 3 · Following directions is a daily struggle.
- 4 · Answering questions is hard, even simple ones.
- 5 · Conversations stall — starting, staying on topic, or taking turns.
- 6 · They repeat language without using it flexibly.
- 7 · Connecting with peers is harder than it should be.
- 8 · They use — or may need — AAC tools like devices or picture systems.
What therapy actually looks like
Therapy here is individualized, practical, and responsive to the child in front of us — play-based communication practice, speech sound work, story retelling, conversation coaching, parent modeling, and practice using strategies in everyday routines. Services can happen in clinic, at school, at home, or virtually across Utah and Arizona when appropriate.
Not sure if what you’re seeing is a phase or a pattern? That’s a perfect first question for a consultation — no pressure, and you’ll leave with one clear next step.
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