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My child only says a few words. Is that normal?
You’re concerned that your child is not talking, or saying fewer words than expected, or maybe you’re just not sure what’s typical at this age. Many parents feel the same way. Use the simple checklist below to give you a clearer picture. This checklist is updated based on the latest data on child developmental milestones.
🧠 What you should know about speech development
Every child develops at their own pace. The milestones below are based on large‑scale studies – they are a helpful guide, not a strict rule. This checklist below is not exhaustive but uses information you may know about your child's abilities.
If your child is not meeting a few milestones, it doesn’t always mean a delay. But early support leads to better outcomes, so a quick conversation with a therapist can give you clarity. Get that peace of mind!
📋 Quick developmental check
Select your child’s age, then tick the milestones they are not yet doing.
- Use or say more than 20 words to ask for things, or to draw an adult's attention to something of interest
- Point to objects or people
- Follow simple commands (e.g., 'come here', "give daddy')
- Look around when asked “where” questions—like “Where’s your blanket?”
- Respond to name consistently
- Prefer to gestures over vocalising
- Nod to indicate "Yes", or shake head to indicate "No"
- Engage in simple pretend play, such as feeding doll or pretending to talk on the phone
- Understand at least 200 words and use / say more than 50 words
- Combine two words (e.g., 'more juice')
- Ask questions like ‘what’s that?’ or ‘Go where?’
- Point to body parts when asked
- Engage in pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll, and putting baby to sleep)
- Understand simple action words outside of routine (for example, only understands "throw" when paired with "ball, or diaper")
- Follow two-step directions—like “Get the spoon, and put it on the table."
- Sit and listen to simple stories with pictures
- Understand at least 300
- Use short phrases (e.g., I want more juice’ or ‘he took my ball)
- Ask simple questions (e.g., 'what's that?')
- Follow two-step instructions without gestures (e.g., 'get daddy's phone and put it on the table')
- Engage in simple back-and-forth conversations
- Answer questions like “What do you do when you are sleepy?” or “Which one can you wear?
- Use pronouns like 'me', 'you', 'my'
- Give reasons for things and events, like saying that they need an umbrella when it’s raining
⚠️ This is ONLY a guide. It is NOT a diagnostic tool. A detail evaluation by a speech therapist is strongly recommended.
No waitlists. No commitment. Just a 15‑min chat.
We hear these concerns every day
❓ Should I wait and see?
Research shows that early intervention works best. Waiting often means missing the window when the brain is most adaptable. A free consultation call helps you decide without pressure.
🤷 Where do I start? Who can I trust?
You start with a conversation. Our team are AHPC‑registered speech therapists with over 15 years of experience. We'll listen, answer your questions, and guide you – no hard sell.
⏳ How long before I see results?
Every child is different. Some show progress in weeks, others take longer. We'll give you a guide based on the assessment findings. How fast your child improves is highly dependent on how often you practice at home! The most important step is to start.
Why acting early changes everything
The first three years are a period of rapid brain development. Speech therapy during this window can significantly improve outcomes. Even if your child is older, it's never too late – but starting sooner makes the path shorter and easier.
➡️ A free consultation call is the simplest, no‑risk way to find out if therapy could help your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is 2 and only says a few words. Should I be worried? ▼
Yes, this is a clear sign to seek an evaluation. By 24 months, most children use at least 50 words and begin combining them into two-word phrases. An evaluation gives you clarity and a plan – waiting only risks the gap widening.
What happens during a free consultation call? ▼
You'll speak directly with a senior speech therapist. We'll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and advise whether an assessment would be helpful – no pressure, no obligation.
Could bilingualism be causing the delay? ▼
No, bilingualism does not cause speech or language delay. Children growing up with two languages may have slightly smaller vocabularies in each language initially, but their total vocabulary is typically age-appropriate. If a delay is present, it will be evident in both languages.
How much screen time is too much? ▼
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months (except video calls), and for ages 2–5, no more than one hour per day of high‑quality, co‑viewed content. Excessive screen time replaces the back‑and‑forth interaction children need for language development.
How do I know if it's a speech delay or a hearing problem? ▼
A hearing evaluation is often the first step. Even mild or intermittent hearing loss (e.g., from recurring ear infections) can delay speech. A speech therapist can help you determine whether a hearing test is needed and coordinate with an audiologist.
What if my child refuses to cooperate during an evaluation? ▼
This may sometimes happen. Our experienced speech therapists work with young children through play – not by sitting at a table. We observe how your child communicates during natural activities, and we involve you in the process. There's no pressure on the child to "perform."
What's the difference between speech and language delay? ▼
Speech refers to how sounds are made (articulation). Language refers to understanding and using words (vocabulary, grammar, conversation). A child may have one or both. A speech therapist will assess both areas.
Don't wait – clarity is just a conversation away
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