“My son has delayed speech. Should I take him to a speech language pathologist?”
My son is 3 years old and has still not started speaking in complete sentences, even when we started bringing him around other kids. Should I take him to a speech language pathologist or should I still wait for him to start taking naturally?
20 Answers
At 3 years old he should be combining 2-3 words (example: "I want car") and have between 200 and 1200 single words in his vocabulary. If you are concerned you can always take him to receive a speech evaluation and determine if therapy is needed.
You don’t say when your son turned three. This could be an important fact. If he is almost four and is still speaking in only two or three word phrases, it would be important to take him to a speech pathologist for an evaluation. However if he just turned three, you can wait a while to see if he begins to use more vocabulary and uses more complete sentences. Reading out loud to your child is also important to get your son to use more language. Also working a little with him learning the alphabet and seeing words printed could also be helpful. Good luck and don’t worry!
Jasmine Christion
Speech-Language Pathologist
I would highly recommend visiting a speech language pathologist. Early intervention has proven much success rather than waiting until the child starts kindergarten. We learn from listening and I recommend asking for a hearing test from the pediatrician to make sure he can hear at normal frequency
Hello,
At 3 years old, children typically have a vocabulary of 900-1000 words and putting 3+ words together making meaningful sentences. They should be able to have a reciprocal conversation with you. Yes, get a referral from his primacy care physician for a speech and language evaluation. In the meantime, books and play are awesome ways to introduce vocabulary to children. Name the pictures in the book and have him touch them, model this for him if he doesn't pick it up right away. If he points to the ball (or any desired item) because he wants it, give him the vocabulary for it "ball, I'll give you the ball".
I hope this helps. You have reached out for advice, that is the first step. Keep being an awesome advocate for your child! :)
At 3 years old, children typically have a vocabulary of 900-1000 words and putting 3+ words together making meaningful sentences. They should be able to have a reciprocal conversation with you. Yes, get a referral from his primacy care physician for a speech and language evaluation. In the meantime, books and play are awesome ways to introduce vocabulary to children. Name the pictures in the book and have him touch them, model this for him if he doesn't pick it up right away. If he points to the ball (or any desired item) because he wants it, give him the vocabulary for it "ball, I'll give you the ball".
I hope this helps. You have reached out for advice, that is the first step. Keep being an awesome advocate for your child! :)
If he is not meeting speech and language milestones it is best to get him evaluated by an SLP to see if therapy is warranted. It is better to intervene earlier rather than later.
Hello,
I would definitely recommend speaking to your child’s pediatrician and asking for a referral to a Speech Language Pathologist so you can receive an objective evaluation.
Thanks,
Amy Bland, MS/CCC-SLP
I would definitely recommend speaking to your child’s pediatrician and asking for a referral to a Speech Language Pathologist so you can receive an objective evaluation.
Thanks,
Amy Bland, MS/CCC-SLP
This is dependent on how many words he is using. Is he using 1-2 words together? Is he communicating effectively or gets his point across? Do you and others understand his wants and needs are? At the age of 3, children should be putting 2-3 words together to communicate. Complete sentences of 4-5 words don’t typically develop until age 4-5. I recommend speak with your pediatrician about possibly being referred for a speech and language evaluation if you are concerned. Thanks for your question.
Yes, the faster you get him the help he needs the better. The age of 3 years it’s crucial for language development and acquisition. Talk to your pediatrician and request an Speech and Language evaluation.
If you have any concerns that he’s not speaking like other children his age, I would always recommend getting evaluated by an SLP. If there is any issue, early intervention is key. Also keep in mind, every child develops at his or her own pace so don’t be too alarmed.
It does not hurt to see a speech language pathologist to rule out delays and/or learn strategies on how to develop language skills naturally.
Hi there,
Yes, I would recommend bringing your son to see a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP will rule out developmental language delay and help give pointers regarding how to help increase your son's language. Early intervention is key!
Yes, I would recommend bringing your son to see a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP will rule out developmental language delay and help give pointers regarding how to help increase your son's language. Early intervention is key!
Cara M. Gelbart
Speech-Language Pathologist
At the age of 3, I would seek out a comprehensive speech and language evaluation for your son.
I would highly recommend that he see a Speech Pathologist at the earliest.
Several times there are different factors that play a role in speech and language evolution. Some of those factors are multiple language exposure, Lack of sufficient stimulation at home, too much screen time and sometimes, just other underlying factors.
At 3, you would expect a child to communicate in a minimum of 3-word sentences/phrases. This should slowly evolve to them telling you stories/ what they did in school/what did they read etc.
Good Luck.
Best Regards,
Priya Nalla
Several times there are different factors that play a role in speech and language evolution. Some of those factors are multiple language exposure, Lack of sufficient stimulation at home, too much screen time and sometimes, just other underlying factors.
At 3, you would expect a child to communicate in a minimum of 3-word sentences/phrases. This should slowly evolve to them telling you stories/ what they did in school/what did they read etc.
Good Luck.
Best Regards,
Priya Nalla
All kids develop language differently, but it never hurts to get a full evaluation done by a trained SLP in order to assess the level and potential deficits your child may or may not have
Hello,
If you are having concerns with your son’s speech, I would definitely recommend taking him to a speech-language pathologist for evaluation.
Adrianna Sulaica, Au.D., CCC-A
If you are having concerns with your son’s speech, I would definitely recommend taking him to a speech-language pathologist for evaluation.
Adrianna Sulaica, Au.D., CCC-A
Syed S. Ahmed
Speech-Language Pathologist
One of the reasons could be hereditary inclination. If there is no history of delayed speech in your family, I would consult a Pediatrician
Terlenda Lassiter
Speech-Language Pathologist
Yes, yes, yes! Early intervention is key in assisting and developing early language skills. He would definitely benefit from completing an assessment by a speech language pathologist.
Please note I am a medical speech language pathologist. We are required to complete a Bachelor's, Master's, 9-month externship, and then apply for certification. While we are trained specialist within the domain of medicine and healthcare, we are not physicians. I am not a doctor.
Please note I am a medical speech language pathologist. We are required to complete a Bachelor's, Master's, 9-month externship, and then apply for certification. While we are trained specialist within the domain of medicine and healthcare, we are not physicians. I am not a doctor.
Karen Young
Jupiter, FL
Early intervention is paramount. I would highly recommend finding a certified Speech and Language Pathologist, who specializes in birth to three language therapy. The sooner he begins, the less time he will likely need to remain in therapy.
Hi! By the age of three - a little one should be able to speak in complete sentences and when they do not, we have to ask ourselves, why? What is preventing him from sounding and communicating like everyone else his age? I would most definitely refer him to an SLP. Neuroplasticity is highest in the 0-3 population - the younger they are, the easier and faster it is to treat them. The older they are the more challenging it is and frustration due to their lack of being understood increases. Follow your instincts - get him assessed now. Have a wonderful day.
Tara Helwig
Speech-Language Pathologist
I totally advocate to take him to a Speech-Language Pathologist. If you live in a state where I am certified, I can see him via teletherapy. Which state do you live in?
