One of the most common questions speech therapists hear is: when should my child start talking? It’s a question that comes from a place of love — and sometimes, worry. If you’re wondering whether your toddler’s speech is on track, you’re not alone. Understanding normal speech development can help you recognise when to relax and when to seek help from a qualified speech therapist in Johannesburg.
Key Speech and Language Milestones to Know
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are recognised milestones that help speech therapists identify delays early. Here’s a general guide to what to expect:
- By 12 months: Your baby should be babbling, making sounds like “mama” and “dada”, and responding to their name. They should also be pointing at things to show interest.
- By 18 months: Most toddlers say at least 10–20 words. They understand simple instructions like “come here” or “give me the ball”.
- By 2 years: Your child should be combining two words together, like “more juice” or “daddy go”. Vocabulary should be growing rapidly — around 50+ words.
- By 3 years: Most children are using short sentences, asking simple questions, and strangers can understand about 75% of what they say.
- By 4–5 years: Children should be having full conversations, telling stories, and speaking clearly enough for nearly anyone to understand them.
If your child is significantly behind any of these markers, it’s worth consulting a speech therapist in Johannesburg sooner rather than later. Early intervention consistently produces better outcomes than waiting.
Common Signs That Your Child May Need a Speech Therapy Assessment
Speech delays don’t always look the same. Some children are “late talkers” who catch up on their own. Others have underlying difficulties that won’t resolve without support. Here’s what to watch for:
- No babbling or gesturing by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months
- No two-word phrases by 24 months
- A sudden loss of speech or language skills at any age
- Difficulty being understood by family (not just strangers) by age 3
- Frustration during communication — tantrums or shutting down when misunderstood
- Not following simple instructions appropriate for their age
It’s important to note that bilingual children may sometimes appear to have a smaller vocabulary in one language. Read our post on bilingual children and speech development to understand what’s typical for multilingual families in South Africa.
What Happens at a Speech Therapy Assessment?
Many parents put off booking an assessment because they’re not sure what to expect — or they’re worried about what might be found. At SpeakClearly, we make the process as relaxed and parent-friendly as possible.
A typical assessment includes:
- A detailed parent interview about your child’s development history
- Play-based activities to assess your child’s understanding and use of language
- Observation of speech sounds and clarity
- Standardised tests appropriate for your child’s age
- A full feedback session with recommendations
If therapy is recommended, we’ll explain exactly what it involves, how long it typically takes, and what you can do at home to support your child’s progress. Parent guidance and coaching is central to everything we do — because parents are the real speech therapists between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child start talking?
Most children say their first real word between 10 and 14 months. By 18 months, they typically have around 10–20 words. If your child has no words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months, a speech therapy assessment is recommended.
My child understands everything but doesn’t talk much. Is that still a delay?
Yes, it can be. Some children have expressive language delays while comprehension is intact. This is still worth assessing, as it can affect literacy, social skills, and school readiness if left unaddressed. The good news is that expressive language delays often respond very well to early intervention.
Will my child just “grow out of it”?
Some late talkers do catch up without intervention — but there’s no reliable way to know in advance which children will and which won’t. The research is clear: early intervention is more effective than waiting. If you’re concerned, getting an assessment gives you certainty either way. If everything is fine, your mind is at ease. If there is a delay, you’ve caught it early when outcomes are best.
Does medical aid cover speech therapy assessments in South Africa?
Most South African medical aids cover speech therapy assessments and treatment as part of their allied health benefits — but cover varies by scheme and plan. SpeakClearly can provide the practice number and ICD-10 codes you need to claim. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.
Concerned about your child’s speech development? Don’t wait and wonder. SpeakClearly offers comprehensive speech therapy assessments for children from birth in Randburg, Johannesburg — and nationally via teletherapy. Contact us today to book your child’s assessment. Early support makes a lasting difference.
Related: If your child is behind on these milestones, this guide helps: How to Help a Late Talker at Home: 5 Strategies That Actually Work.