Noticing Communication Differences? Here’s When Support May Help

Is Speech Therapy Right for My Child? Here’s What to Look For

Noticing differences in your child’s communication? Here’s how to explore support—without pressure or panic.

Every child develops communication skills in their own way and on their own timeline. It’s common for parents to wonder:
Is this typical? Should we wait and see? Would support help?

You don’t need a diagnosis or an IEP to ask questions or seek answers. Private speech and language therapy is a way to explore support that’s collaborative, individualized, and designed to meet your child where they are.

Here are some signs that speech therapy may be helpful:

Speech Sound Development

Your child may:

• Be harder to understand than peers of the same age

• Use substitutions or approximations for certain sounds (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)

• Avoid certain words or get frustrated when not understood

Speech therapy can support your child in building clearer speech, increasing their confidence, and finding joy in communication.

Understanding and Expressing Language

Your child may:

• Seem unsure when following directions

• Use fewer words or shorter sentences than expected for their age

• Have difficulty answering questions or telling stories

• Struggle to explain their ideas, even when they seem to know what they want to say

Therapy can provide space to grow these skills through connection, play, and meaningful interaction—not drills or pressure.

Social Interaction and Communication

Your child may:

• Prefer solo play or have challenges with conversation flow

• Miss subtle social cues or interpret language literally

• Repeat phrases, focus on specific topics, or communicate in ways that are unique to them

These are not deficits—they're differences. Therapy can help build flexibility, understanding, and comfort navigating social spaces, while honoring the ways your child communicates best.

What About Milestones?

While all children develop at their own pace, here are some general markers that may help you reflect on your child’s current communication:

• By age 2: Uses at least 50 words, combines 2 words, follows simple directions

• By age 3: Speech is understood by familiar and unfamiliar listeners most of the time

• By age 4–5: Uses full sentences, tells simple stories, answers “wh” questions

• At any age: Frequent frustration when trying to communicate or not being understood may be a sign that support could help

If your child isn’t meeting these milestones—or if you just have a gut feeling something is off—it’s okay to explore further. Early support can make a big difference in confidence and connection.

When to Seek Support

You don’t need to wait for a certain milestone—or a school referral—to explore therapy. If you’ve noticed communication challenges, or simply want guidance on how to support your child’s development, it’s okay to reach out.

Private therapy can begin at any time and can complement school services or provide support where none currently exists.

What Makes Bud to Blossom Different

My practice is built on respect, collaboration, and affirming care. I work with children and families to:

• Build communication skills in ways that feel natural and empowering

• Focus on connection, not correction

• Honor each child’s learning style and identity

Therapy sessions are play-based, individualized, and designed to feel safe, engaging, and effective.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re in Commerce Township or the surrounding areas of Oakland County, I’d love to connect. Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy offers in-home and virtual speech services designed to support your child’s growth—at school, at home, and in the community.

Let’s talk about what support could look like for your family.
Reach out here