Toddler Speech Delay: Signs & When to Seek Help in Perth

by | Feb 15, 2026 | Speech Sounds, Speech Therapy for Children

Toddler Speech Delay: Signs, Milestones & When to Seek Help

You may be wondering whether your toddler has a speech delay. The answer depends on several factors, including your child’s age and communication development.

Speech pathologists use developmental milestones to determine whether a child is developing typically or may need support. Below are some important things to consider.

1. What Is Toddler Speech Delay? Could Hearing Problems Cause Toddler Speech Delay?

If your child frequently pulls at their ears or seems irritated, they may have ‘glue ear’ (middle ear fluid). This common condition in young children can cause temporary, fluctuating hearing loss.

When children cannot hear sounds clearly, it can impact:

  • The sounds they learn

  • Their ability to copy words

  • Their overall speech clarity

If hearing concerns are present, a referral to an ENT or audiologist is highly recommended. Hearing plays a critical role in speech development.

2. Is Your Child Trying to Communicate in Sentences?

Ask yourself:

  • Is your child attempting short sentences?

  • Do they look at you while speaking?

  • Are they trying to get your attention to communicate?

Communication is more than words — it includes eye contact, intent, and social interaction.

3. Toddler Speech Delay Red Flags at 2 Years.

If your child is 2 years or older and mainly communicates through:

  • Gestures only

  • Pointing

  • Gestures + pointing

  • Babbling

  • Single words only

This may indicate a toddler speech delay or language delay, and an assessment with a speech pathologist is recommended.

Speech Milestones – When Do Toddlers Start Talking?

6 Months

  • Babbling sounds such as “mamama,” “dadada,” “bababa”

12 Months

  • First words like “mumma,” “dadda,” “uh-oh”

15 Months

  • Several simple single words used consistently (e.g., ball, dog, car)

18 Months

  • Beginning to combine words (e.g., “more milk,” “up mummy”)

  • Vocabulary of approximately 50–100 words

2 Years

  • Speaking in 2–3 word sentences (e.g., “I want milk”)

  • Vocabulary of at least 200 words

If your toddler is not meeting these milestones and instead:

  • Screams or tantrums due to frustration

  • Helps themselves to items without asking

  • Does not seek you out to communicate

It is strongly recommended that you consult a speech pathologist.

When to See a Speech Pathologist for Toddler Speech Delay

Early intervention is highly effective. The earlier speech therapy begins, the better the long-term outcomes for:

  • Speech clarity

  • Social confidence

  • School readiness

  • Emotional regulation

NDIS & Speech Therapy Support

Children with significant speech delay may be eligible for NDIS funding.

At Perth Speech Therapy (PST), our therapists are trained in the HANEN approach, supporting parents to build language skills during everyday interactions.

We offer:

  • 1:1 toddler speech therapy sessions

  • Parent coaching programs

  • “Little Communicators” Club (ages 2–4 years)

  • Play-based early intervention

  • Mobile speech therapy services

Our Perth Locations

📍 Ground Floor, 55 Salvador Road, Subiaco
📍 Unit 1, 595 Canning Highway, Alfred Cove
📍 Joondalup Mobile Service

📞 Call Perth Speech Therapy on 0412 256 656 to book an assessment.

If you are concerned about your toddler’s speech delay, early support can make all the difference.