When to see a Speech Pathologist
Speech Pathology Australia provides age appropriate information in PDF format on Communication Milestones for your child. They include :
- Understanding and speaking “between the flags”
- Information sheet: 12 months
- Information sheet: 18 months
- Information sheet: 2 years
- Information sheet: 3 years
- Information sheet: 4 years
- Information sheet: 5 years
For more in depth information or to determine whether your child needs to see a speech pathologist you can visit the Speech Pathology Australia Website
When to see a Speech Pathologist
TALKING VERY LITTLE OR NOT AT ALL
By 2 ½ years of age, your toddler should be able to understand approximately 1000 words and using approximately 500 words.
USING ONLY SINGLE WORDS
By age 2, your toddler should be combining at least 2 words together to make simple phrases (“water please” , “open door”) and by age 3, your toddler should be combining 4-5 words in sentences.
DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND
By age 2, toddlers should be able to communicate with unfamiliar people and be understood at least 50% of the time. If your toddler is very difficult to understand they may need help learning to prounce sounds correctly.
REPEATING WORDS (STUTTERING)
If your child repeats parts of a word e.g “I-I-I want a drink please” it is best to speak to a speech pathologist for help as this could indicate that your child has a stutter.
