How to Know if Your Child's Communication Skills are Developing on Track
- BrightCove Therapy Co
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Every child develops communication skills at their own pace — and as a parent, it’s completely normal to wonder whether your child is on track or might benefit from a little extra support.
From first gestures to full conversations, speech and language development isn’t a straight line. Some children talk early and often, while others take more time to find their voice. Understanding what’s typical (and what might deserve a closer look) can help parents feel informed and confident — not worried.
Let’s walk through what “on track” really means, what parents often notice, and when support can be helpful.
What “On Track” Really Means
Developmental milestones are guidelines, not deadlines. Two children the same age can communicate very differently and still be developing typically.
What matters most isn’t hitting a specific milestone by a certain date — it’s steady progress over time. Communication skills often develop in spurts, with quieter periods followed by noticeable growth.
If your child is continuing to build skills, even gradually, that’s often a positive sign.
Common Communication Milestones
Children typically show communication growth in a variety of ways, including:
Using gestures (pointing, waving, reaching) before words
Understanding language before they’re able to say it
Gradually combining words as vocabulary grows
Using communication to request, comment, ask questions, or connect with others
Every child’s path looks a little different. However, if progress seems to stall for a long period of time — or if frustration increases — it may be worth taking a closer look.
Signs Parents Often Notice
Families often reach out when they begin noticing patterns like:
Using fewer words than peers
Getting frustrated when trying to communicate
Being difficult for others to understand
Struggling to follow directions or answer simple questions
Avoiding interaction, conversation, or play
These signs don’t mean something is “wrong.” They simply suggest that extra support may be helpful — especially if concerns persist over time.
Why Early Support Can Make a Difference
Early speech and language support focuses on building skills, confidence, and connection — not labeling children.
When communication becomes easier, children often experience:
Less frustration
Increased confidence
Stronger social connections
Smoother daily routines at home and in learning environments
Many families find that early guidance helps prevent small challenges from becoming bigger obstacles later on.
Learning More About Support Options
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I wonder if this is something to look into,” that curiosity alone is a good reason to ask questions.
Speech and language services can support children in many different ways, depending on their unique strengths and needs. You can learn more about the services we provide and how we support families by visiting our services page:
There’s no pressure — just information, guidance, and support when you need it.
A Final Reassurance for Parents
Trust your instincts. You know your child best.
Seeking information doesn’t mean committing to therapy — it simply means staying informed and proactive. Whether you’re looking for reassurance or next steps, having a conversation can be a great place to start.
Not sure if speech therapy is the right next step?
A conversation can help bring clarity and peace of mind.