Speech Delay in Toddlers: When to Seek Help

Most toddlers say their first words around 12 months and combine two words by age 2. If your child is behind these general timelines, it doesn't automatically mean there's a problem — but it is worth a conversation with a speech-language therapist.

Watch for a limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty being understood by family members, or frustration when trying to communicate. Early support often makes the biggest difference, since young children's brains are especially responsive to speech and language therapy.

A first speech and language assessment is simple, play-based, and gives you clear next steps either way.