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A parent's guide to understanding, nurturing, and celebrating their child's communication journey.
Speech Sound Development: What's Normal and When to Get Help
As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your child is on track with their talking. You might be asking:
“When should my child be able to say certain sounds?”
“Is it normal for my 3-year-old to be hard to understand?”
“Does my child need speech therapy?”
This blog will guide you through speech sound development, what’s typical, what’s not, and when to seek help from a qualified speech pathologist.
What is Speech Sound Development?
Speech sound development is how children learn to say the sounds (called phonemes) that make up words. It’s a gradual process that starts from the baby babble stage and continues through early childhood.
Children typically learn easier sounds first, like /m/ and /b/, and more complex ones like /r/ and /th/ later on.
Knowing the order in which sounds develop helps parents and professionals know whether a child is on track—or might need support.
Why Speech Sound Development Matters
Clear communication
to express needs, wants and opinions
Academic success
especially in reading and spelling
Self-confidence
in social situations
Spotting the Signs: Your Guide to Speech Sound Development (and Our FREE Checklist)
Every child develops at their own wonderful pace, but developmental milestones can be a helpful guide on their journey. Remember, these are general signposts, not a strict race! To help you and families just like yours, we’ve created a FREE, easy-to-use Speech Sound Development Milestone Checklist!
This simple tool is designed to help you observe and understand the exciting communication skills blossoming in your child, from their baby days right through the preschool years. Our checklist breaks down these skills by age (Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers), making it easy to see what to look for.
Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy
Some errors are normal at certain ages, but if sound errors persist beyond expected milestones, or your child is often hard to understand, it may be time to see a speech pathologist.
Seek help if your child:
Is difficult to understand after age 3
Has fewer than 20 words by 18–24 months
Still says "tat" for cat or "wabbit" for rabbit past age 5 ( or any phonological processes that is inappropriate for your child's age)
Leaves out or substitutes sounds (e.g., “ca” for cat) after age 3–4
Gets frustrated or avoids talking
These may be signs of a speech sound disorder, which affects how clearly a child can speak.
When to Contact a Speech Pathologist?
If you’re wondering “Is my child’s speech delay normal?” or “Should my child be saying more sounds?”, a speech pathologist can help. A simple screening or assessment can determine whether your child is on track or may benefit from therapy.
At Let's Go Speech Therapy, we provide:
✅ Standardised speech sound assessments
✅ Play-based and evidence-based therapy
✅ Parent coaching and home practice
✅ Support for multilingual and bilingual families
Bridging Distances, Opening Doors: Speech Therapy That Fits Your Life
At Let's Go Speech Therapy, we are deeply committed to making quality speech therapy accessible, no matter your circumstances or location. We understand the unique challenges faced by families and are dedicated to providing flexible, supportive, and effective solutions.
Busy or Need more Flexibility?
Our mobile speech therapy service means we can come to you – anywhere within our Sydney service areas. This reduces stress and allows your child to learn in a familiar environment.
In a Rural or Remote Area?
Feeling isolated shouldn't be a barrier to support. Our telehealth speech therapy (also known as online speech therapy) brings expert care directly to your home. It's convenient, effective, and eliminates travel time and costs. We can help you set up and feel comfortable with online sessions.
Facing Financial Pressures?
We believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of socioeconomic background. While speech therapy is an investment, we are committed to discussing your options. For transparent pricing and our list of funding options visit our pricing page. Our goal is to find a way to support you, which might include providing home program ideas or connecting you with valuable free resources while you explore options.
We understand that every family's situation is different, and that's why our support is designed to be as individual as your child. Your goals become our goals. We tailor every step to work collaboratively with you to craft a client-centred plan using proven, evidence-based strategies that make sense for your child and your family. We are committed to working alongside all our clients and offering as much flexible support and resources that empower you every step of the way, because we know you are the true expert on your child and their most influential guide.
Have Questions or Need Support?
If you have any concerns about your child's communication, speech, language, or overall development, please don't wait. Early support can make a lifelong difference.
At [Your Clinic Name], we offer friendly, evidence-based assessments and therapy tailored to your child’s needs. Whether it’s a few tricky sounds or a broader speech concern, we’re here to help your child find their voice with confidence.
📧 Contact us today for a consultation.
Seek Clarity: We're here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an assessment or an initial consultation to discuss your child's needs here.
Get FREE Resources: Sign up to our mailing list today to receive more free resources to help support you or your child at home!
Let's work together to help your child communicate more effectively, build confidence, and connect with the world around them.
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