How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy
As a parent, you know your child best. If something feels off about the way your child communicates, it is worth investigating. At SpeakClearly in Johannesburg, we see many parents who waited because they were told their child would “grow out of it.” While some children do catch up on their own, early intervention consistently produces better outcomes.
Red Flags by Age
By 12 Months
- Not babbling or using gestures (pointing, waving)
- Not responding to their name
- Not making eye contact during interactions
By 18 Months
- Fewer than 5-10 words
- Not understanding simple instructions like “give me the ball”
- Not pointing to show you things
By 24 Months
- Fewer than 50 words
- Not combining two words together
- Losing words they previously used
By 3 Years
- Speech that is difficult for familiar people to understand
- Not using 3-word sentences
- Difficulty playing with other children
- Frequent frustration when trying to communicate
By 4-5 Years
- Speech that strangers cannot understand most of the time
- Difficulty telling a simple story
- Struggling with sounds like /r/, /l/, /s/, /sh/
- Stuttering that persists beyond 6 months
Other Signs at Any Age
- Difficulty following instructions appropriate for their age
- Trouble with reading or writing (school-age children)
- Hoarse or nasal voice quality
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
- Social communication challenges
What to Do Next
If you recognise any of these signs, a speech therapy assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind. At SpeakClearly, we offer assessments in-person at our Jukskei Park, Johannesburg practice and via teletherapy.
Do not wait and see. Contact SpeakClearly today at 060 361 0834 or admin@speakclearly.co.za.