Speech delay or late talker? When to get an evaluation
Short answer: Signs of speech delay worth asking about include little babbling or few gestures by around the first birthday, no single words or short phrases by the age most children use them, speech that family finds very hard to understand, and losing words. If you notice any of these, talk to your pediatrician and ask about a free early intervention evaluation.
Contents
- How do speech milestones work?
- What are signs of speech delay by age?
- What should I ask my pediatrician?
- How do I request an early intervention evaluation (under age 3)?
- How do I ask the school district (age 3 and up)?
- When does private speech therapy make sense?
- What happens in an evaluation?
- What can I try at home now?
- What do these terms mean?
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and check date
Children learn to talk at different speeds, and many late talkers catch up. Still, an early evaluation is free in every state through early intervention for children under three, and it is the fastest way to know whether your child needs help.
How do speech milestones work?
Developmental milestones describe what most children can do by a certain age. The CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. checklists are built around skills most children show by each age, so missing one is a reason to ask questions, not a diagnosis. Your pediatrician also screens development at well-child visits.
What are signs of speech delay by age?
- Little babbling or few gestures, such as pointing or waving, by around the first birthday
- Not using single words by the age most children do
- Not combining words into short phrases by the age most children do
- Speech that family members find very hard to understand as your child gets older
- Losing words or skills your child used to have
- Not responding to their name or to simple directions
If you have a concern, trust it and ask. Losing skills at any age deserves a prompt call to your pediatrician.
What should I ask my pediatrician?
Share specific examples. Ask whether a hearing test makes sense, since hearing problems can affect speech.
How do I request an early intervention evaluation (under age 3)?
Every state runs an early intervention program under federal law. You can refer your child yourself; you usually do not need a doctor's referral. The evaluation is free. If your child qualifies, services are provided based on a plan made with your family.
How do I ask the school district (age 3 and up)?
From age three, public school districts must evaluate children who may need special education services, including speech. You can request an evaluation in writing. See IEP speech services vs private speech therapy for how school and private therapy differ.
When does private speech therapy make sense?
Private therapy can start sooner or add to public services. Ask your insurer whether speech therapy is covered and whether you need a referral. If you are unsure whether speech or OT fits, read speech therapy vs occupational therapy.
What happens in an evaluation?
A speech-language pathologist plays with and observes your child, asks about daily communication and may use standardized tests. They will explain whether your child's skills are within the typical range and what support, if any, would help.
What can I try at home now?
- Talk about what you are doing during daily routines.
- Read together every day and point to pictures.
- Pause and give your child time to respond.
- Repeat and expand on what your child says.
- Limit background noise during talking time.
What do these terms mean?
- Developmental milestones: Skills most children show by a certain age, such as waving, pointing or saying first words.
- Late talker: A young child who starts using words later than most children the same age.
- Early intervention: The program every state runs under Part C of IDEA for children under three who may have a developmental delay.
- Speech-language pathologist (SLP): A licensed professional who evaluates and treats speech, language, social communication and swallowing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it just a late talker?
Possibly. An evaluation is the best way to know, and early help does not hurt.
Do bilingual children talk later?
Children learning two languages develop language typically, though their vocabulary may be split between languages. Bring up concerns about either language.
Is speech therapy covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan and your child's needs. Ask your insurer, or your state Medicaid office if your child has Medicaid, what is covered and whether you need a referral.
How Sprig helps
Sprig helps parents find early intervention, school services and pediatric speech and occupational therapists near them. Find help near you.
Sources and check date
Facts above draw on CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestone checklists and the federal early intervention framework under Part C of IDEA.
- CDC's Developmental Milestones (Learn the Signs. Act Early.) (opens in a new tab)
- Part C of IDEA: early intervention for infants and toddlers (ECTA Center) (opens in a new tab)
- Early intervention programs by state (ECTA Center) (opens in a new tab)
Checked October 10, 2026. This is general information. It does not replace an evaluation by a qualified professional.