How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy in Doral FL

As a parent, it is natural to wonder whether your child’s speech and language development is on track. Many families in Doral and throughout Miami-Dade County reach out to Exceptional Speech Therapy because they notice small differences in how their child communicates, but are unsure if those differences are part of typical development or signs that extra support may be helpful.

Early identification and support can make a meaningful difference. Understanding common speech and language milestones can help parents feel more confident about when to seek a professional evaluation.

Common Signs of Speech and Language Delays by Age

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones that guide speech and language development.

By 12 months

Limited babbling or sound play
Not responding to name consistently
Limited use of gestures such as pointing or waving

By 18 months

Uses fewer than 10–20 words
Difficulty imitating sounds or words
Limited understanding of simple directions

By 2 years

Uses fewer than 50 words
Not combining words into simple phrases
Speech is difficult for familiar caregivers to understand

By 3 years

Difficulty forming short sentences
Speech is unclear to people outside the family
Limited interest in interacting with peers

Preschool and school age

Trouble following directions or answering questions
Difficulty with pronunciation or speech clarity
Challenges with social communication, such as turn taking or conversation

If your child shows one or more of these signs, a speech therapy evaluation may be beneficial.

What Can Cause Speech or Language Delays

Speech and language delays can occur for many reasons. Some children experience delays related to articulation or language development, while others may have underlying factors that impact communication.

Common contributing factors may include:

Expressive or receptive language delays
Speech sound or articulation disorders
Autism spectrum related communication differences
Hearing concerns
Premature birth or medical history
Bilingual language development, which may temporarily affect expressive skills

A comprehensive speech and language evaluation helps identify a child’s strengths and areas of need.

When Should You Seek a Speech Therapy Evaluation

Many parents are told to wait and see if their child will outgrow speech concerns. While some children do catch up naturally, early intervention is strongly recommended when delays are present.

If you are asking yourself whether your child needs speech therapy, that question alone is often a good reason to seek an evaluation. Early support can improve communication skills, confidence, and academic readiness.

Pediatric Speech Therapy Services in Doral FL

Exceptional Speech Therapy provides pediatric speech and language evaluations and therapy services for children in Doral and throughout Miami-Dade County. Our licensed speech-language pathologists work exclusively with the pediatric population using play-based, evidence-based approaches.

We support children with:

Speech delays
Language delays
Articulation and pronunciation difficulties
Social communication challenges
Autism related communication needs
Early intervention for toddlers and young children

Services are available in English and Spanish, with options for in-person therapy at our Doral location and teletherapy for families who need flexibility.

Getting Started With Exceptional Speech Therapy

If you are concerned about your child’s speech or language development, scheduling an evaluation is an important first step. Our team helps families in Doral, Miami, Hialeah, Sweetwater, Miami Lakes, Kendall, and surrounding Miami-Dade communities navigate the process and feel supported from the start.

Exceptional Speech Therapy is committed to helping children build strong communication skills that support success at home, in school, and in everyday life.