How to Talk to Your Pediatrician About Speech and Language Concerns
Prepare for Your Child’s Speech and Language Appointment and Start Supporting ThEIR Development Today
As parents, we naturally want to ensure our child’s development is on track—especially when it comes to speech and language. Whether you're concerned about a potential delay or just want to double-check that your child is progressing normally, talking to your pediatrician about speech and language development is an important step. Pediatricians can help identify early signs of speech or language difficulties, provide valuable referrals, and guide you through the next steps in your child's care.
This guide will help you prepare for your pediatrician visit, offering practical tips to communicate your concerns effectively and what to expect from the process. Plus, we’ll show you how you can start working on your child’s communication skills right away with the help of our PLAY GUIDES.
01. Set an Agenda Focused on Speech and Language Development
Before your appointment, take time to create a list of your concerns related to your child’s speech and language skills. This can include things you’ve noticed at home such as:
Having a limited vocabulary
Not combining words
Difficulty understanding what your child is saying
Difficulty following directions
If you’re concerned about something, then it’s worth bringing up. For instance, if your child is two years old and not yet putting two words together, or if they have fewer than 50 words, that could indicate an expressive language delay. Looking at this guide and writing your observations down will ensure you’re prepared to discuss them with your pediatrician.
questions to ask:
"My child is not talking in two-word phrases yet. Is this something we should explore further?"
"What are the next steps if my child isn't reaching their speech and language milestones?"
If you’re looking for a credible speech and language milestone chart, visit this related post:
BEYOND THE MILESTONE CHART
We break it down into three key areas: receptive language (understanding), expressive language (self-expression), and social language (communicating with others). These milestones are from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) & can be found here. They offer a helpful guideline, and remember, they are just that—a guideline!
02. Be honest and specific about your concerns
When you meet with your pediatrician, it’s so important to be honest and thorough about your concerns. It might feel uncomfortable or you might “feel silly” to mention small delays, but early identification of speech or language difficulties can prevent bigger challenges later. Pediatricians appreciate when parents provide detailed descriptions of what they’re noticing at home.
For example, if your child seems frustrated during communication or is showing behaviors like hitting or biting out of frustration, mention this. Often, children who understand but struggle to express themselves verbally may resort to such behaviors because they can’t communicate their needs effectively.
Also, if your child has a medical history that could be impacting their speech (e.g., frequent ear infections or developmental conditions), make sure to bring that up as well.
03. Ask Questions and LEARN YOUR NEXT STEPS
If your pediatrician provides information that feels unclear or uses medical jargon, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s important that you fully understand what’s happening with your child’s speech and language development and what to do next.
Here are some questions to ask:
“How can I encourage my child to talk more at home?”
“If speech therapy is recommended, what will that process look like?”
If your pediatrician recommends waiting and monitoring your child’s progress, it’s okay to express concerns about the potential delay. You can ask for guidance on activities you can start at home in the meantime. (Or you can dive right in to the play guide bundle. 😉)
04. Take Action with Play-Based Learning While You Wait.
Waiting for a referral or evaluation can feel stressful, but there are meaningful steps you can take at home to support your child’s communication development. This is where play-based learning can play a crucial role.
Our signature play guide is specifically designed to turn everyday play activities into opportunities for language learning. You can start helping your child right away—whether they’re hitting milestones or showing signs of delay. By incorporating activities like modeling words, offering choices (e.g., “Do you want the ball or the car?”), and narrating daily routines, you can help build their vocabulary and language comprehension.
If you're concerned about your child's speech or language, starting with these simple strategies can ease your worry, and even if your child is on track, it’s a great way to support their growth.
05. Collaborate with Your Pediatrician for the Best Outcome
Pediatricians and parents are a team when it comes to your child’s health and development. After discussing your concerns, listen to your pediatrician’s recommendations and feel free to ask about alternative options, such as early intervention services or a referral to a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).
If your pediatrician suggests that a speech evaluation might be helpful, you can ask about what to expect during the process. A licensed SLP will assess your child’s communication through play and formal testing, looking at areas such as articulation (how clearly they speak), receptive language (understanding), and expressive language (speaking).
Keep in mind that speech therapy, when recommended, is tailored to your child’s specific needs. It’s a collaborative process where you can continue supporting your child at home using practical strategies given by the therapist.
Advocating for your child’s speech and language development starts with clear communication with your pediatrician. By preparing for your appointment, being specific about your concerns, and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your child gets the support they need.
And while you’re waiting for your appointment, our Play Guide Bundle is a fantastic resource to help you take immediate action. By incorporating play-based language activities into your daily routine, you can feel confident that you're already supporting your child’s development in meaningful ways.
Explore our free resources and shop our guides to start today—whether you're looking to jumpstart your child's speech skills or simply find peace of mind knowing that you're on the right track.
