When to Start Speech Therapy?
If you’re wondering when to start speech therapy for your child—or even for yourself—you’re not alone. Many parents and adults have questions about timing: How early is too early? When is the right time to get help? Will my child “grow out of it”? At Resonate Therapy, our Colorado Springs speech therapists are here to help you navigate those questions with clarity and confidence.
Every child develops at their own pace, but communication milestones can vary widely. While some children begin speaking early, others may take a bit longer to find their words. Knowing when to seek support can make a world of difference in how smoothly communication skills develop, and how confident your child feels expressing themselves.
Can You Start Speech Therapy Too Early?
One of the most common questions we hear from parents is: “Can my child start speech therapy too early?” The answer depends on the child’s age and developmental stage.
If your child is not yet speaking or is under 18 months old, formal speech therapy may not be necessary just yet. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to support your child’s communication. Our therapists can work with very young children—and their parents—to build the foundations of speech before words even begin.
Click here to learn about speech milestones for children.
At this early stage, therapy often focuses on:
Sound awareness and imitation – Encouraging your child to listen to and copy sounds around them.
Mouth and tongue movement – Strengthening oral muscles to prepare for speech.
Play-based interaction – Building engagement, attention, and turn-taking.
Parent coaching – Teaching families strategies to encourage communication at home.
By introducing these skills early, your child develops comfort and familiarity with communication before words naturally start to flow. It’s less about “starting too soon” and more about supporting speech readiness in a fun, low-pressure way.
On average, a child in speech therapy should begin between 18 months and three years.
When Children Often Start Speech Therapy
While every child’s journey is different, there are a few key points when families commonly begin speech therapy. If you’ve gotten any of these updates from a pediatrician, caregiver, or your child themself, you might consider speech therapy.
1. Continued Mispronunciations or Stuttering
Many toddlers make speech errors—like saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”—but as children reach preschool or early elementary school, these mispronunciations should naturally fade. If they don’t, or if your child’s speech is difficult for others to understand, it’s time for an evaluation. The same applies to children who stutter or struggle to speak smoothly. Early support can help them build confidence and reduce frustration.
2. After a Diagnosis
If your child has received a diagnosis such as autism, Down syndrome, or developmental delay, speech therapy is often a recommended part of their care plan. Our SLPs at Resonate Therapy are trained to work with children who have a range of abilities and learning styles, creating customized programs that promote both speech and social communication.
3. After Physical Surgeries or Oral Corrections
Children who have had cleft palate repair or other mouth and jaw surgeries often benefit from speech therapy to strengthen oral muscles and improve articulation. Therapy helps them retrain movement, rebuild confidence, and adjust to new sensations following surgery.
4. When Self-Esteem Is Affected
Speech challenges can impact more than communication—they can affect how a child feels about themselves. If your child avoids talking, shows embarrassment, or withdraws in social settings, it may be time for supportive speech therapy. Building clarity and confidence in speech often leads to greater self-esteem and social connection.
5. Upon Teacher or Pediatrician Recommendation
Educators and pediatricians often spot early communication concerns during screenings or classroom activities. If a teacher or doctor suggests an evaluation, it’s a good idea to schedule one. Early detection allows for faster progress and prevents long-term frustration.
4 Benefits of Starting Speech Therapy Early
The earlier a child begins speech therapy, the more they benefit. Early intervention takes advantage of the brain’s incredible adaptability during childhood—a time when learning and forming new connections happens rapidly.
Faster Skill Development
Children’s speech and language centers develop quickly in the first few years of life. When therapy begins early, children can overcome articulation or comprehension challenges before they affect reading, writing, or classroom learning.
Improved Academic Success
Clear communication helps children participate more fully in school. They can ask questions, share ideas, and engage socially—all of which build confidence and contribute to academic growth.
Better Emotional Regulation
Children who can express themselves are less likely to experience frustration, tantrums, or social withdrawal. Speech therapy supports emotional understanding and helps kids articulate how they feel in healthy, productive ways.
Reduced Long-Term Impact
Without early intervention, minor speech issues can persist and become harder to correct later in life. By starting early, you give your child the best chance at developing natural, effortless speech patterns that last into adulthood.
It’s Never Too Late for Speech Therapy
Let’s turn the tables. Sure, you can start speech therapy early, but what if you’ve missed that window? That’s OK!
Remember that it’s never too late to start speech therapy. Many teenagers and adults experience breakthroughs in therapy—even after living with speech challenges for years.
Adults may seek therapy for a variety of reasons, such as:
Lifelong speech impediments (like lisps or stuttering)
Voice strain or vocal fatigue from professional use
Communication challenges after stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions
Articulation difficulties following oral surgery or dental work
Accent modification or improvement in public speaking clarity
Speech therapy for adults often focuses on retraining the muscles and neural pathways involved in communication, using tailored exercises and techniques that align with your goals. It can improve not only your ability to speak clearly but also your confidence in work, relationships, and everyday life.
When Should You Schedule an Evaluation?
If you’ve noticed communication challenges—whether in your child or yourself—the best first step is to schedule an evaluation. Our speech-language pathologists at Resonate Therapy in Colorado Springs will take the time to understand your concerns, assess current abilities, and identify the right plan for progress.
During your evaluation, you can expect:
A relaxed, supportive environment designed to put children and adults at ease
Play-based or conversational assessments depending on age
A review of speech sounds, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication goals
Clear guidance on next steps and how therapy could help
Even if you’re unsure whether therapy is needed, an evaluation can provide peace of mind—and, if needed, an early start to meaningful progress.
Schedule an evaluation with one of our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists at Resonate Therapy in Colorado Springs today and discover how early, personalized support can make all the difference.