This is a tricky topic because there is SO much variation in those early years. Many speech-language pathologists can’t even agree on when a child is developing typically or if their articulation acquisition is behind. Sometimes it is more complicated than just not being able to make certain sounds.
The best advice I can give is, if you are concerned, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist or local early intervention program. It can’t hurt to have your child’s speech assessed but it CAN hurt if you don’t and there really is a delay.
Delays in speech development can impact social emotional development, cognitive development, reading skills, and more later down the road!
I am a speech-language pathologist and I specialize in early intervention. I obtained my Masters degree from Penn State University and my Doctorate Degree from Rocky Mountain University of Healthcare Professions. I have worked in a variety of setting but most of my experience is working with preschool aged children. I thought I knew so much about that age and younger until I had my own children! I'm a proud mother of two wonderful boys and while they can be a challenge at times, they help me develop new skills and new ways to approach language development in a functional and motivating way I would never have truly grasped without them.
I started this blog in an effort to share and support others while their little ones are growing and learning and also to support my fellow SLPs. I hope you find my posts helpful. My goal is to provide practical ideas and suggestions because I know first hand that setting out to do anything that isn't functional or motivating for you and your children won't give you the results or satisfaction we all hope to obtain while working with our little ones.
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Building Better Speech and Language 