Answers to the questions we hear most often — from milestones to therapy to how to support your child at home. Written in plain language, by people who care.
What to expect at each age, and how to tell the difference between typical variation and a true delay.
What actually happens in an evaluation, how long therapy takes, and answers to the questions families ask most.
Practical, everyday strategies you can use during routines you already have — no special equipment required.
What to know about costs, and how to prepare for your child's first appointment.
These are general developmental guidelines. Every child develops at their own pace — but significant delays warrant a professional evaluation.
| Age | What to Expect | Possible Concern If… |
|---|---|---|
| 12 mo | 1–3 words, babbles, uses gestures (pointing, waving) | No words, no pointing, not responding to name |
| 18 mo | 10–20 words, points to objects when named | Fewer than 5–10 words, no pointing |
| 2 yrs | 50+ words, 2-word phrases, 50% understandable | Fewer than 50 words, no word combinations |
| 3 yrs | 200+ words, 3–4 word sentences, 75% understandable | Short sentences only, strangers can't understand them |
| 4 yrs | Complex sentences, tells stories, almost fully understood | Grammatical errors, strangers can't understand |
| 5 yrs | Clear speech, complex narratives, full conversation | Unclear speech, difficulty with stories or conversation |
Source: ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). When in doubt, reach out to us — a free consultation takes only 15 minutes.
We're happy to talk through any concern you have about your child's communication development. No obligation, no pressure.