Embracing Your Toddler's Communication Journey
Discover how early support, playful learning, and family-centered care help your child thrive.
🧡 Schedule a Free ScreeningWelcome, Parents!
The toddler years are filled with magical milestones. Our Speech-Language Pathologist is here to guide and empower you through every stage of your child’s communication journey.
🎧 Listen to This Guide
Prefer to listen? Hear the full version of this guide as an audio overview for busy parents on the go:
Toddler Communication: A Guide for Parents
This full transcript captures a thoughtful discussion between host Michael and Sarah about toddler speech and language development, early signs to watch for, and the power of early intervention.
Understanding Early Intervention
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Michael: Welcome to this deep dive. Today we're talking about something incredibly close to home. For many of us, your toddler's journey into communication.
Sarah: It really is. It's such a dynamic and important time in their little.
Michael: Lives absolutely these years from birth to three are just a whirlwind of growth. You see those tiny beings soaking everything up, moving from those sweet.
Michael: Little Coos 2, joyful giggles and then you know those amazing first words and their brains are working overtime making over 1,000,000 new connections every single second.
Sarah: It's incredible, isn't it? Like they have these super absorbent little brains. And what's truly remarkable is this idea of neuroplasticity, the brain's fantastic ability to adapt.
Sarah: And we'll learn. This creates such a valuable window for development, so acting early really means we're tapping into this prime time for their brain to build those communication pathways.
Michael: Exactly. And as parents, you're the ones who know your child best...
Sarah: You might notice things, maybe your little one isn't chatting as much as you expected or they get really frustrated trying to tell you something.
Michael: Yeah. Or you just have a feeling that something is a bit different.
Sarah: And those instincts are so important to pay attention to. It's completely normal to have those thoughts and questions.
Michael: And that's precisely why we're diving into this today—to offer some clarity and support. We want to talk about early support, often called early intervention.
Sarah: This is all about providing services and help for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who might be showing signs of developmental delays or have certain conditions that could affect their growth.
Michael: Like giving them a gentle boost during this really critical learning period.
Sarah: Exactly. Think of it that way—a gentle boost. It's like giving your child a head start during this incredibly receptive time. In the US, programs like IDEA, Part C help families access these crucial services.
The Role of the SLP
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Michael: OK, let's get a clearer picture of who can help. One of the key partners for families on this communication journey is a speech-language pathologist. Right now, you might hear different terms: speech therapist, speech teacher, but the official title is speech-language pathologist, or SLP for short.
Sarah: Yes, and it's so important to understand that their role goes far beyond just helping with how a child says words. They really look at the whole picture of how a child connects and interacts with the world around them.
Michael: Absolutely. So when a family works with an SLP, what are some of the main areas they might focus on?
Sarah: Well, a really fundamental area is understanding language, what we call receptive skills. This is all about how well your child takes in and processes what you're saying. Can they follow simple directions like "come here" or "give me the toy"? Do they seem to recognize and respond when you call their name? That kind of thing.
Michael: That makes perfect sense. Being able to understand what's being said to them is the first step. And then there's using language, or expressive skills.
Sarah: Exactly—how does your child communicate their own wants, needs, feelings, and ideas, right? This might start with gestures, like pointing to what they want or waving hello and goodbye. Then it moves into making sounds, saying those first exciting words, and eventually putting words together into simple phrases and sentences.
Michael: And of course, there's speaking clearly or speech production. Is their development of sounds on track for their age? Can people who know them well generally understand what they're trying to say?
Sarah: That's a key piece of the puzzle. Beyond that, SLPs also look at connecting socially—or social communication. This involves things like making eye contact during interactions, taking turns in simple games or conversations, showing interest in playful interactions like peekaboo.
Michael: I might not have immediately connected this, but thinking and playing—or cognitive communication—is also an important part of the picture, right?
Sarah: Absolutely. Things like being able to focus their attention, remembering simple instructions, solving basic problems, and engaging in pretend play—these are all closely linked to how their communication skills develop.
Michael: And this is a really interesting one—eating and drinking safely, or feeding and swallowing. How does that relate to communication?
Sarah: The muscles and coordination that are used for speaking are also involved in eating. So if a child has difficulties with chewing different textures, swallowing smoothly, or even trying new foods, an SLP can often provide valuable support in that area too.
Michael: That's fascinating. And what about getting them ready for reading down the road? Is that something SLPs look at?
Sarah: Yes, pre-literacy skills are another area where SLPs can make a difference. Things like enjoying looking at books together, starting to notice the different sounds within words, maybe understanding how stories work—these are all early building blocks for literacy that SLPs can help nurture.
Michael: And for children who might have more significant challenges with spoken language, there are other ways to communicate, right? Augmentative and alternative communication—or AAC.
Sarah: Exactly. AAC includes a range of options like using sign language, picture boards where they can point to what they want to say, or even specialized electronic communication devices. It's so important for parents to know that these tools don't hinder speech development.
Michael: That's a common worry, I think.
Sarah: It really is, but in fact, they often help it along by giving the child a way to express themselves, which can reduce frustration and actually encourage language growth.
Michael: It really highlights how all these different aspects of development are connected.
Sarah: They are—progress in one area can really boost progress in others. It's a holistic view of how children learn to communicate and connect.
Developmental Milestones
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Michael: Now for the parents listening, it's so important to remember that every child blossoms in their own unique way, and there's a wide range of what's considered typical development.
Sarah: Absolutely—a very wide range. But sometimes you might just notice little things that make you wonder if a little extra support could be helpful. We refer to these as gentle guideposts.
Michael: These aren't meant to be strict checklists that cause worry, but rather general things to keep in mind based on typical development milestones.
Sarah: For instance, around the age of 7 months, it might be a good idea to chat with us or your pediatrician if your baby isn't reacting much to sounds around them, doesn't seem to enjoy those interactive back-and-forth games like peekaboo, or isn't making happy, joyful squealing sounds when interacting with you.
Michael: OK. That's helpful to know. What about as they get a bit older, say around the 12-month mark?
Sarah: At that age, some things to look out for are if they aren't making babbling sounds that include consonants like "baba" or "dada," if they don't seem to recognize or respond when you call their name, or if they aren't using common gestures like waving bye-bye or pointing to show you things they're interested in.
Michael: Pointing is a big one, isn't it?
Sarah: It really is. Or if they don't seem to understand simple everyday words like "no."
Michael: And what about when they reach around 18 months?
Sarah: Around 18 months, if your toddler is saying very few words—or perhaps no words at all—if they aren't pointing to share things they see with you, like pointing out a doggie or a truck just to show you, or if they seem to lose some of the communication skills they once had (that's called regression), those could be signs it's worth reaching out for a chat.
Michael: And then as they get closer to being two years old, around 24 months?
Sarah: By 24 months, if they aren't starting to put two words together to express themselves, like saying "more juice" or "daddy go," if they don't seem to follow simple one-step instructions, if their speech is difficult for even familiar family members to understand most of the time, or if you notice a significant step backward in their language abilities—those are definitely things to discuss with a professional.
Michael: You mentioned something really important earlier—trusting your own instincts as a parent.
Sarah: Absolutely. Your gut feeling is powerful. If any of these gentle guideposts resonate with you—or even if you just have that parental intuition telling you that your child might benefit from a closer look at their communication development—please know that it is always OK to reach out. Getting information early allows us to partner with you sooner and really help your child make the most of their incredible capacity for learning.
Michael: And it really leads into something so central to this whole process—the incredibly important role of you, the parents.
Michael: Now for the parents listening, it's so important to remember...
Sarah: Absolutely—a very wide range. But sometimes you might just notice little things...
Family-Centered Care
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Sarah: You emphasize that parents are truly the experts on their own child.
Michael: It's absolutely fundamental to how we work. You know your little one better than anyone else in the world. Our entire approach is built on this understanding. We practice what's called family-centered care.
Sarah: Can you paint a picture of what that actually looks like when a family is working with an SLP? What does family-centered care mean in practice?
Michael: Certainly. First and foremost, we recognize that you, the parents, are the constant presence in your child's life. Therapists and other professionals may come and go, but your family is the constant. We deeply respect and value that central role.
Sarah: Secondly, we prioritize what matters most to you—your concerns, your hopes, and your specific goals for your child's communication.
Michael: So it's not just the SLP deciding the goals.
Sarah: Not at all. It's collaborative. What are your dreams for how your child will connect with the world? That's where we start.
Michael: It needs to be tailored to each individual family's unique situation.
Sarah: Exactly. And we focus on identifying and building upon your family's unique strengths. What are you already doing well in your interactions with your child? How can we support and enhance those natural moments of connection and communication? Collaboration is absolutely key. We see ourselves as your partners and your coaches—not just focusing solely on your child in isolation.
Michael: I really like that image of being a coach. It just sounds much more collaborative—and less like someone just fixing something.
Sarah: That's the goal. It's about real life, real learning that fits into your existing routines. We firmly believe that children learn best in their natural environments—at home, during everyday activities like playtime, mealtimes, or even bath time.
Michael: Right—not in some sterile clinic room, necessarily.
Sarah: Precisely. Our goal isn't to give you a list of homework assignments to add to your busy day, but rather to help you discover simple, practical ways to weave communication support into the things you're already doing.
Michael: That sounds much more manageable.
Sarah: It makes learning so much more meaningful and enjoyable for your child—and much more manageable for you as a family. And ultimately, we want to empower you. We aim to build your confidence and your knowledge so that you feel capable and equipped to support your child's communication development and become a strong advocate for their needs as they grow.
Michael: You also mentioned earlier the importance of respecting each family's individual culture. How does that play in?
Sarah: Hugely important. Every family has a unique cultural background, a set of values, perhaps speaks more than one language, and has their own beliefs about raising children. We make a real effort to understand and deeply respect your family's culture and to tailor our support in a way that aligns with those values. If your family uses more than one language, for example, we fully support that.
Michael: Oh, good—because some parents worry that might confuse the child.
Sarah: That's a common misconception, but research actually shows that being multilingual is a huge asset. We can provide strategies that work across all the languages your child is learning.
Michael: That's great to hear. It truly sounds like the support is designed to embrace and involve the whole family.
Sarah: It really is. We're here not just for your child, but also to offer resources, a listening ear when you have questions or concerns, and to navigate this journey together with you as a team.
Therapy Approach
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Michael: What does therapy actually look like—what might a session include?
Sarah: Therapy for young children should always feel positive and engaging. We use evidence-based approaches—methods that research shows are effective—but we always tailor them to your child's specific needs, interests, and personality. A lot of therapy with toddlers involves learning through play. We use toys, engaging games, songs, movement activities—whatever your child enjoys—to naturally target communication goals.
Michael: So, it might look like fun and games from the outside.
Sarah: Exactly. We also put a big focus on integrating communication goals into your family's everyday routines. Things like getting dressed in the morning, eating snacks together, reading favorite books, or playing outside all offer wonderful opportunities for language learning.
Michael: Using real life moments—makes sense.
Sarah: And we use gentle guidance strategies like modeling the language we want the child to learn, expanding on what they say to encourage longer sentences, providing choices to empower them, and creating fun, motivating reasons to communicate.
Michael: And you also mentioned visual aids as part of therapy.
Sarah: Yes, many young children respond really well to visual information. We might use picture schedules to help them understand daily routines, communication boards with photos or symbols, simple sign language, or even age-appropriate apps on a tablet. We also draw from parent coaching programs like Hanen's "It Takes Two to Talk" or "More Than Words." These give you practical tools to use in everyday interactions.
Michael: So again, it's about empowering the parents, not just treating the child.
Sarah: Exactly. When needed, we also introduce AAC tools in a very supportive and encouraging way. And it’s important to remember—AAC doesn’t replace speech. It supports it. It gives your child a voice.
Michael: That must reduce a lot of frustration for both the child and the parents.
Sarah: That’s exactly it.
Collaboration & Progress
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Michael: It really sounds like a very comprehensive and supportive approach, and it's not just about what happens during a therapy session, but about empowering the whole family.
Sarah: That's the core of it. And very often we collaborate with other professionals who might be involved in your child's care—occupational therapists who might help with sensory or fine motor skills, physical therapists working on gross motor development, early childhood educators, doctors, or audiologists who specialize in hearing.
Michael: So a team approach.
Sarah: We truly believe in a team-based approach, always sharing information—with your permission, of course—and working together to provide coordinated, holistic care that addresses all aspects of your child's development and well-being.
Michael: And I really appreciate that you emphasize the importance of celebrating every step.
Sarah: Progress is going to look different for every single child, and that's OK. We believe in celebrating every single milestone, no matter how small it might seem to others—a new gesture, trying a new sound, pointing something out. All wins.
Michael: All wins.
Sarah: We track progress in ways that really focus on those meaningful, real-life improvements. Is your child communicating more effectively during playtime? Are mealtimes becoming less stressful? Are you, as a parent, feeling more confident in using new communication strategies at home?
Michael: That's key—the parent confidence.
Sarah: Absolutely. We'll share their progress with you regularly and work together to adjust our goals as your child continues to learn and grow. Seeing a child find their voice and witnessing families feel more connected and less stressed—honestly, those are truly the most rewarding aspects of our work.
Michael: It sounds like the ultimate goal is not just to address any current challenges, but also to build a really strong foundation for their future.
Sarah: Precisely. The support your child receives during these early years lays such a crucial foundation for so much—starting preschool with confidence, making friends and navigating social situations, learning to read and write later on, and just generally navigating the world around them with greater confidence and independence. Early intervention really is about unlocking their full potential and paving the way for lifelong success and well-being.
Michael: And you really want families to know that you understand the significance of making the decision to explore speech therapy. Maybe feeling a bit vulnerable.
Sarah: Absolutely. We deeply value and honor the trust that you place in us when you reach out. It's a big step. Our ongoing commitment is to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive space where your family feels truly heard, respected for your unique experiences, and fully empowered. Throughout this journey, we are all incredibly passionate about helping children find their voices and partnering closely with families to navigate this communication journey with both expertise and genuine compassion.
Michael: That's a hopeful and empowering message. Thank you so much for sharing all of this valuable information with us today. It's been really insightful.
Sarah: Oh, it was my sincere pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Michael: And for you, our listener, as you go about your day, maybe take a moment to reflect on the small, everyday moments of connection and communication you've shared with your toddler today. Think about how those seemingly simple interactions—those little back-and-forth exchanges—are all building blocks in their incredible journey of finding their voice and connecting with the world around them. It's all part of this amazing process.
🔊 Ready to Get Started?
We're here to help you take the next step. Book a consultation or get a free speech screening today.
Let's Talk🧠Why Early Intervention Matters
From birth to age three, your child’s brain is developing faster than ever. This window of neuroplasticity makes it the perfect time to nurture speech and language skills.
đź“š What Speech Therapy Looks Like
- 🗣️ Receptive & Expressive Language
- 🔊 Speech Clarity & Sound Production
- 🤝 Social Communication & Play
- 🍎 Feeding & Swallowing
- đź“– Pre-literacy & Early Learning
đź‘€ Signs Your Child Might Benefit
Every child develops at their own pace. Learn the red flags by age and when to reach out for support.
đź’¬ How We Partner With You
We honor your role as the expert on your child. Therapy happens through play, everyday routines, and shared joy—tailored to your family’s values and culture.
“Talking, playing, and interacting with people—not screens—helps children learn to communicate.”
đź“ž Ready to Get Started?
We're here to help you take the next step. Book a consultation or get a free speech screening today.
Let’s Talk❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Your Toddler's Communication Journey
1. Why is the period from birth to age three so important for my child's development?
The time between birth and age three is a period of remarkable brain growth and development...
2. What is early intervention, and how can it help my toddler?
Early intervention refers to services and support provided to infants and toddlers...
3. Who are Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and what do they do?
Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in communication and related areas...
4. How does early support for communication make a difference in a child's life?
Research consistently demonstrates that early intervention can have a significant positive impact...
5. What are some early signs or "little bumps in the road" that might indicate my toddler could benefit from talking to an SLP?
Signs may include a lack of babbling, poor response to name, no gestures, or unclear speech by age 2...
6. What is "family-centered care," and how does it influence the support my child will receive?
This approach respects families as the expert and central voice in the child’s care, with therapy rooted in daily life routines...
7. What are some common areas where toddlers might need communication support?
These may include delays in language, articulation, feeding, fluency (stuttering), or social interaction...
8. What does the assessment and therapy process typically look like for a toddler?
Assessments are play-based and friendly. Therapy includes modeling, visual supports, and family coaching...
