The question we get most
"How do I know if this should be evaluated, or if I should just wait?"
Here are five signs — not a diagnostic checklist, but a guide. If you recognize three or more, don't wait.
The 5 signs
1. Only you understand them
By age 3, children should be understood by strangers 75% of the time. If grandma, the teacher, or the pediatrician says "I didn't understand", that's relevant.
2. They get frustrated trying to communicate
Tantrums after attempting to speak, crying, avoiding conversation — these are signs the expressive system isn't giving them the tool they need. Frustration is information.
3. No word combinations by 24 months
Between 18 and 24 months we expect around 50 words. By 24 months we expect two-word combinations ("water mama", "more milk"). If they're not there, we evaluate.
4. Sound omission persists
Dropping final sounds ("ca" for "cat", "cu" for "cup"), simplifying consonants, or substituting sounds is normal at early stages. If it persists past age 4, worth evaluating.
5. The school has mentioned something
Teachers and caregivers see the child in social and academic context — a different context from home. If they've mentioned something about speech, language, or attention, worth listening.
What to do now
Don't wait six more months. We're here to help you sort it out. An evaluation or screening can give you the clarity your gut is already asking for.