Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Trusting Your Instinct

Parents are usually the first to notice when something isn't quite right with their child's communication. You might notice that your child isn't talking as much as other children the same age, that people struggle to understand them, or that they seem frustrated when trying to express themselves.

If you have a feeling that something is off, you are probably right. Research consistently shows that parental concern is one of the most reliable early indicators of a communication difficulty. You do not need to wait for a teacher, doctor, or public health nurse to raise the issue first.

Signs by Age Group

The signs that a child may benefit from speech therapy vary depending on their age.

By 12 months you should be concerned if your child is not babbling, does not respond to their name, makes no eye contact, does not use gestures like pointing or waving, or shows no interest in communicating.

By 18 months the key signs include having no words at all, not understanding simple words like "no" or "give me," not pointing to things they want, and having lost words or sounds they used to make.

By 2 years you should seek advice if your child has fewer than 50 words, is not putting two words together, is difficult to understand most of the time, does not follow simple instructions, or prefers gestures over words.

By 3 years the signs include speech that is hard for unfamiliar people to understand, difficulty following two-part instructions, not using short sentences, limited vocabulary compared to peers, and frustration or behavioural difficulties linked to communication.

By 4 to 5 years you should be concerned if your child's speech is still unclear, they struggle to tell a simple story, they have difficulty understanding questions, they avoid speaking in groups or social situations, or they are falling behind peers in reading and writing.

Signs at Any Age

Some signs of a possible communication difficulty can appear at any age. These include difficulty with social interaction or making friends, repeated ear infections, a family history of speech or language difficulties, being much quieter than siblings were at the same age, and frustration, anger, or withdrawal linked to communication.

What If You're Not Sure?

If you're reading this list and thinking "some of these apply, but not all of them," that's completely normal. No child will show every sign, and the presence of one or two signs does not necessarily mean there's a problem.

The best thing to do is get a professional opinion. A speech and language therapist can carry out a comprehensive assessment and tell you whether your child's development is on track or whether they would benefit from support.

An assessment is not a commitment to ongoing therapy. Many parents find that a single assessment gives them the clarity and confidence they need, whether the outcome is reassurance that their child is developing normally, or a clear plan for how to help.

You Don't Need to Wait

You do not need a GP referral to see a speech and language therapist privately in Ireland. You do not need to wait for the HSE. You can book an assessment directly with a CORU-registered therapist and get answers within days rather than months.

Early assessment is never wasted. If your child is developing normally, you get peace of mind. If they need support, you catch it early when intervention is most effective. Either way, you're making the right decision for your child.

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