A speech delay is when a child has difficulty producing sounds or words expected for their age. Signs may include using fewer words than peers, limited babbling, difficulty imitating sounds, or being hard for familiar people to understand.
Every child develops differently, but if something feels “not quite right”, it's always okay to seek guidance early.

Trust your instincts. If your child isn’t using many words, isn’t combining words by around 2 years, struggles to make themselves understood, or seems frustrated when communicating, it’s worth speaking to a speech pathologist. Early support can make a meaningful difference and often brings great reassurance for families.

Most two-year-olds say about 50 words and are beginning to join two words together (like “more juice” or “daddy car”). Some children develop a little earlier or later, which is normal but if your child is using fewer than 20–30 words at two, an early chat with a speech therapist is recommended.

Speech is how clearly a child says sounds and words.
Language is how well they understand and use words to communicate.

A child may:

• know what they want to say but struggle to say it clearly (speech delay),

• or have difficulty understanding or expressing ideas (language delay),

• or experience both.

Understanding the difference helps guide the right support.

There are many reasons a 3-year-old may not be talking much, including late talking, hearing concerns, limited early exposure to language, developmental differences, or simply needing more support to learn how to communicate. A gentle, play-based assessment can help identify what’s going on and what support will help them thrive.

Yes! Toddlers are still learning how to coordinate their little mouths for speech. However, by 2 years, familiar people should understand around 50% of what your child says, and by 3 years, about 75%. If your toddler is very hard to understand, replaces lots of sounds, or becomes frustrated, a speech therapist can help.

Sounds develop at different ages.
For example:

• F often develops around age 3

• L around age 4

• R and S may not be mastered until 5–6

If your child is older than expected for a specific sound or avoids several sounds, therapy can help build clarity and confidence.

Signs may include difficulty understanding instructions, limited vocabulary, not joining words together, trouble expressing ideas, or seeming confused during conversations. Some children rely heavily on gestures instead of words. A language delay doesn’t mean a child won’t catch up as early support helps enormously.

There’s rarely one cause. Speech delay may relate to hearing difficulties, family history, limited early language exposure, oral-motor challenges, developmental differences, or simply a child’s individual learning style. The most helpful step is understanding your child’s profile so support can be tailored to them.

If you’re noticing delays in talking, unclear speech, frustration during communication, stuttering, or difficulty following instructions or using words, an assessment can provide clarity. Many parents come seeking reassurance and we’re here to support you with gentle guidance and evidence-based recommendations.

Great ways include:

• talking through daily routines

• modelling simple words and phrases

• following your child’s lead in play

• pausing and giving them time to respond

• expanding on the words they use

  These small, everyday moments create powerful opportunities for language growth.

Speech delay can occur in autistic children, but many children with speech delay are not autistic. Autism involves a broader pattern of social, communication and behavioural differences. If you’re unsure, a comprehensive assessment can help you understand your child’s needs and strengths.

Learning to read is not instinctive — it requires explicit teaching. Some children struggle with phonological awareness (hearing the sounds in words), memory, or linking sounds to letters. Early, evidence-based literacy support (such as a sound-to-print approach) can make reading easier and far less stressful for your child.

Bilingual children do not experience speech delay simply because they hear two languages. They may share their words across both languages, which can make their vocabulary seem smaller in each language individually, but their total vocabulary is often the same or even larger.
If you are worried about speech clarity or limited words in both languages, a speech therapist can help.

By 3 years, many children are beginning to use short sentences such as “I want juice” or “Daddy go work”. If your child isn’t yet combining words or finds it hard to express ideas, gentle support can make a big difference.

By age 4, most familiar adults should understand the majority of what a child says. If your child is still difficult to understand, replaces multiple sounds, uses unusual patterns, or becomes frustrated, they may benefit from help with speech sound development.

Children do not need to be reading before school, but it helps if they can:

• hear rhyming words

• identify the first sound in a word

• recognise some letter–sound links

• enjoy books and stories
  Evidence-based, sound-to-print teaching supports children who find these skills tricky.

Signs may include difficulty learning letter sounds, slow reading progress, trouble hearing sounds in words, and avoiding reading tasks. A literacy assessment can help identify whether your child needs targeted support and what type of intervention will best suit them.

Progress looks different for every child. Some families notice small positive changes quickly, while others see gradual improvements over months. Consistency, play-based practice, and a supportive environment all help move things forward. We celebrate every small win.

Item descriptionAbsolutely. Speech therapy supports autistic children with understanding language, expressing ideas, social connection, using AAC if needed, and building confidence in communication. Therapy is tailored to each child’s strengths, sensory needs and interests.

Echolalia — repeating words, phrases or scripts is a meaningful form of communication. Some children use it when learning language, processing information, or communicating ideas. A speech therapist can help understand why your child uses echolalia and how to support their communication growth.

It’s completely okay and expected! Many children move, explore, touch, climb and shift during sessions. Speech therapy for children is naturally active and play-based. We follow your child’s lead and use their interests to teach communication skills in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.

You’re welcome to bring:

• any previous reports (if you have them)

• snacks or comfort items

• a favourite toy or book
  

  But most importantly, bring your questions. The first session is all about understanding your child, their strengths, and how we can best support your family.