How to Know if My Child Needs Therapy?
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As a parent, you want the best for your child, including ensuring they reach important developmental milestones. But what if your child isn’t meeting those milestones at the expected age? It can be confusing and overwhelming to know when to seek professional support.
At Edge Therapies, we specialize in speech therapy, language therapy, and occupational therapy for children in Bradenton and Sarasota. In this post, we’ll guide you through key developmental milestones and signs that your child may benefit from therapy.
Speech and Language Development: What’s Expected?
Speech and language skills are crucial for communication and social development. While every child develops at their own pace, here are general guidelines:
Birth to 12 Months
✅ Expected skills:
Coos and babbles (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”)
Responds to sounds and voices
Turns toward familiar voices and recognizes their name
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Lack of babbling or limited vocal sounds
No response to their name by 9 months
Limited eye contact or interaction
12 to 24 Months
✅ Expected skills:
Says first words around 12 months
Uses gestures (e.g., waving, pointing)
Follows simple directions (“Give me the ball”)
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Not saying single words by 16 months
Limited understanding of simple words
Difficulty imitating sounds
2 to 3 Years
✅ Expected skills:
Uses short phrases (e.g., “want cookie”)
Follows two-step directions
Names common objects and people
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Difficulty combining words into phrases
Speech is difficult to understand
Limited interest in interacting with others
3 to 4 Years
✅ Expected skills:
Speaks in sentences
Answers simple questions
Speech is understood by most people
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Struggles to express needs and ideas
Difficulty understanding or following instructions
Unclear speech or sound errors past age 4
Occupational Therapy Development: What to Look For?
Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily activities like dressing and feeding. Here are key areas to monitor:
Birth to 12 Months
✅ Expected skills:
Reaches for and grasps toys
Brings hands to mouth
Starts to eat soft foods
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Difficulty holding toys or reaching for objects
Excessive fussiness with textures in food or clothing
Limited use of one side of the body
1 to 3 Years
✅ Expected skills:
Begins using a spoon and cup
Walks, climbs, and runs
Stacks blocks and scribbles
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Trouble using utensils or drinking from a cup
Avoids messy play or certain textures
Falls frequently or has poor balance
3 to 6 Years
✅ Expected skills:
Can button and unzip clothing
Uses scissors and holds a crayon correctly
Can ride a tricycle and jump with two feet
⚠️ Signs to watch for:
Difficulty with dressing or using zippers and buttons
Struggles with writing, coloring, or cutting
Appears overly sensitive to lights, sounds, or touch
When to Seek Help?
If your child shows any of these signs, it may be time to consult a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist. Early intervention is key! Therapy can help your child develop essential communication and motor skills, leading to greater success in school and social settings.
At Edge Therapies, we provide personalized evaluations and therapy sessions to support your child’s unique needs throughout Bradenton and Sarasota. If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact us today for a consultation!