Speech & Language Services

Frequently asked questions

• When should I bring my child to a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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  See a Speech-Language Pathologist if:

  Understanding and using language

  • Your 2-year-old is not talking.
  • Your 3-year-old does not use 3-word sentences most of the time.
  • Your 4-year-old only uses sentences that are four words long.
  • Your child does not seem to understand what you or others say and cannot follow directions.

  Hearing

  • Often has ear infections and learned to speak later than most other children.
  • Only responds to people if your child can see them. 

  Voice

  • Has an unusual voice (scratchy, raspy or nasal sounding).

  Communicating with others

  • Cannot or seems not to want to start conversations with parents, caregivers or friends. 
  • Is embarrassed and/or frustrated when talking.

  Fluency/stuttering

  • Hesitates or struggles when talking.
  • Repeats words or sounds.
  • Stretches out words.
  • Stops and restarts when talking.

  Making sounds

  • Your 3 or 4-year-old is difficult to understand.