Parent & Educator Resources
Helpful information to support your child's communication development at home and understand when professional help may be beneficial.
Remote Speech Therapy Services
Can't make it to an in-person session? We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video speech therapy sessions from the comfort of your home. Our teletherapy services provide the same quality care with added convenience and flexibility.
- Same expert therapists, virtual delivery
- Flexible scheduling options
- No commute—therapy from anywhere in Idaho
- Interactive, engaging online activities
Video Sessions
Secure & HIPAA-Compliant
Speech & Language Milestones
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones that help us understand typical communication development. Use this guide as a reference, not a strict timeline.
If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, trust your instincts. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
| Age | Speech | Language | Social Communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 1 | Babbles, imitates words, begins first words | Responds to name, makes eye contact | Points to show interest, waves bye-bye |
| Age 2 | Combines two-word phrases, growing vocabulary | Follows simple instructions | Demonstrates appropriate play skills |
| Age 3 | 100-200 words, 2-3 word phrases | Answers simple "what" and "where" questions | Says own name and age, plays with others |
| Age 4 | Speaks clearly ~75% of the time | Follows 1-2 step directions, understands time/sequence | Answers "what," "who," "where" questions |
| Age 5 | 3-5 word sentences, clear ~90% of time | Recognizes letters, numbers, shapes | Uses correct grammar (he/she, plurals) |
When to Seek Help
While every child develops differently, certain signs may indicate that a speech-language evaluation would be beneficial.
Age 1
- Doesn't respond to his/her own name
- Not beginning to verbalize first words
- Doesn't make eye contact
- Not babbling or imitating words
Age 2
- Not combining two-word phrases
- Not adding new words to vocabulary
- Doesn't follow simple instructions
- Not demonstrating appropriate play skills
Age 3
- Not combining 2-3 word phrases
- Using fewer than 100-200 words
- Can't answer simple "what" or "where" questions
- Doesn't say own name and age
Age 4
- Can't follow 1-2 step directions
- Doesn't answer "what," "who," "where" questions
- Doesn't understand time/sequence concepts
- Speech not clear ~75% of the time
Age 5
- Not using 3-5 word sentences
- Can't recognize letters, numbers, shapes
- Not using correct grammar (he/she, plurals)
- Speech not clear ~90% of the time
Stuttering
- Repeating sounds, syllables, or words
- Prolonging sounds ("ssssssnake")
- Visible tension or struggle when speaking
- Avoiding words or speaking situations
Stuttering: What Parents Should Know
Stuttering affects about 5% of children at some point in their development. While many children naturally outgrow disfluent speech, early intervention can make a significant difference for those who need support.
It's important to understand the difference between typical developmental disfluency and stuttering that may benefit from therapy.
Typical Disfluency
Common in children ages 2-5 as they learn language
- •Occasional word or phrase repetitions ("I want-I want that")
- •Using filler words ("um," "uh," "like")
- •Revising sentences mid-thought
- •Brief pauses while thinking of words
Signs of Stuttering
May benefit from professional evaluation
- •Sound/syllable repetitions ("b-b-b-ball")
- •Sound prolongations ("sssssoup")
- •Blocks (getting stuck, no sound comes out)
- •Physical tension in face, neck, or body
- •Avoiding words or speaking situations
Supporting a Child Who Stutters
Helpful strategies for parents and caregivers
Slow down your own speech
Model a relaxed, unhurried speaking pace without telling them to slow down.
Give them time
Wait patiently and maintain natural eye contact. Don't finish their sentences.
Reduce questions
Instead of rapid questions, comment on what they're doing or share your own thoughts.
Create calm conversations
Have one-on-one time without interruptions, distractions, or time pressure.
Focus on what they say, not how
Respond to the content of their message, showing their ideas matter.
Avoid unhelpful advice
Don't say "slow down," "take a breath," or "think before you speak."
Activities to Try at Home
Simple, everyday strategies to support your child's speech and language development.
Narrate Your Day
Talk through daily routines: "Now we're putting on your shoes. First the left foot, then the right foot!" This builds vocabulary and understanding.
Read Together Daily
Choose books with repetitive phrases and colorful pictures. Ask questions, point to images, and let your child "read" familiar parts.
Sing Songs & Rhymes
Nursery rhymes and songs help with rhythm, memory, and sound patterns. Add hand motions to make it interactive and fun.
Play Pretend
Imaginative play encourages language use. Play restaurant, doctor, or store and model new vocabulary during the game.
Expand Their Words
When your child says "ball," you say "Yes! Big red ball!" This models correct grammar and adds new vocabulary naturally.
Wait & Listen
Give your child time to respond. Count to 10 in your head before jumping in. This builds confidence and encourages attempts.
Pro Tip
The most important thing is to make communication fun and pressure-free. Children learn best when they're relaxed and engaged. Follow your child's interests and turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about speech therapy and our services.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy include difficulty being understood by others, limited vocabulary for their age, trouble following directions, struggling to form sentences, or showing frustration when communicating. If you have concerns, we offer free consultations to help you determine if evaluation is recommended.
Is my child stuttering or is this normal?
Is my child stuttering or is this normal?
Many children go through a period of normal disfluency between ages 2-5 as their language skills develop rapidly. However, if you notice sound or syllable repetitions (like "b-b-ball"), prolonged sounds, physical tension when speaking, or if your child seems frustrated or avoids talking, it may be time for an evaluation. Early intervention for stuttering is highly effective.
What happens during a screening or initial assessment?
What happens during a screening or initial assessment?
During a screening, our speech-language pathologist will evaluate your child's speech, language, and communication skills through play-based activities and standardized assessments. We'll discuss your concerns, observe your child's abilities, and provide recommendations. The assessment typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
How long does speech therapy typically take?
How long does speech therapy typically take?
The duration of therapy varies based on individual needs, the type and severity of the communication challenge, and consistency of practice. Some students see significant improvement in a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We provide regular progress updates and adjust goals as your child improves.
How often will my child need therapy sessions?
How often will my child need therapy sessions?
Most children benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, each lasting 30-60 minutes. The frequency depends on your child's specific needs and goals. We'll work with you to create a schedule that fits your family while maximizing progress.
What can I do at home to support my child's progress?
What can I do at home to support my child's progress?
Home practice is essential for success! We provide families with specific activities and exercises to practice between sessions. Simple strategies include reading together daily, modeling correct speech sounds, playing language-rich games, and creating opportunities for your child to communicate in everyday situations.
Can stuttering be cured?
Can stuttering be cured?
While there is no instant "cure" for stuttering, therapy is highly effective. Many children who receive early intervention achieve fluent speech. For older children and adults, therapy focuses on managing stuttering, reducing tension, improving communication confidence, and developing strategies for smoother speech. Most people who stutter see significant improvement with treatment.
What ages do you work with?
What ages do you work with?
We work with students of all ages, from early childhood through high school and beyond. Our services are tailored to be age-appropriate and engaging for each developmental stage.
Do you offer remote or video speech therapy?
Do you offer remote or video speech therapy?
Yes! We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy sessions via video. This allows students to receive quality speech therapy from the comfort of home—perfect for busy schedules, rural locations, or when in-person visits aren't possible. Our online sessions are interactive and engaging, using digital activities and games.
Do you accept insurance?
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance at this time. However, we offer competitive rates and can provide documentation that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please contact us to discuss payment options.
What's the difference between a free consultation and a screening?
What's the difference between a free consultation and a screening?
A free consultation is a brief 15-minute phone call to discuss your concerns and determine if an evaluation might be helpful. A screening/initial assessment is a comprehensive, in-person evaluation where we formally assess your child's communication skills. Screenings are a paid service.