4 Common Developmental Concerns Speech Therapists Treat

Speech Therapy in Arizona: When to Seek Help for Your Child

As a parent, you’re constantly monitoring your child’s developmental milestones—walking, talking, feeding, and more. Your child is learning new things every day! But sometimes, development doesn’t follow the expected path. If you’re wondering whether your child’s speech or language development is on track, you might be asking: “When should I see a speech therapist?”

What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Do?

A Speech-Language Pathologist, or SLP, is a professional who helps children and adults with communication. In speech therapy, we work on speaking clearly, forming meaningful sentences, understanding language, and improving social interaction skills.

Here are 4 Common Developmental Concerns Speech Therapists Treat:

If you live in Arizona and are concerned about your child’s development, recognizing common red flags can help you decide whether it’s time to contact a speech therapist at Kids Place.

1. Speech Delays

If your child isn’t speaking as much as other children their age, it may be time to schedule a speech therapy evaluation. For example, if your 2-year-old isn’t using two-word phrases (like “me go” or “up please”) or your 3-year-old is still mostly unintelligible to others, these may be signs of a speech delay.

2. Difficulty Understanding or Using Language

Does your child struggle to follow directions like “Put your toys away” or “Get your shoes”? Do they have trouble naming common objects or expressing needs (“I’m thirsty,” “I need help”)? These challenges with receptive or expressive language are common reasons families in Arizona seek pediatric speech therapy.

3. Stuttering or Fluency Issues

If your child repeats sounds or syllables (“I see, I see th-th-the swing”) or has difficulty speaking smoothly, early speech therapy can help improve fluency and boost confidence.

4. Social Language Problems

Some children have trouble with social communication—such as making eye contact, reading facial expressions, or understanding jokes and sarcasm. A speech-language pathologist can help with pragmatic language skills, which are vital for school, friendships, and everyday social interactions.

When in Doubt, Ask a Speech Therapist

If you’re unsure whether your child might benefit from speech therapy in Arizona, don’t hesitate to ask. Early intervention makes a big difference—helping children build confidence and communication skills before falling behind. Every child develops differently, but if you notice any of these signs, reach out to a local SLP.

How to Find a Speech Therapist in Arizona

• Ask Your Pediatrician
  Your child’s doctor can refer you to local Arizona speech therapy clinics based on your child’s needs. They can also confirm the ages and conditions treated.

• Use Online Resources
  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has a searchable directory of certified speech-language pathologists. You can filter by location (like Arizona) and by specialty (such as early childhood, articulation, or stuttering).

• Check with Your Child’s School
  If your child is in public school in Arizona, there is likely a school-based SLP available. Ask your child’s teacher about starting the evaluation process. School-based SLPs can also work with private clinics to support your child both at school and at home.

Kids Place Pediatric Therapy has 5 speech therapy clinics in Arizona ready to help!

For more information on early signs of communication challenges, visit ASHA’s Early Identification Resources. For a complete guide to Speech Therapy and to check on your child’s milestones, visit our website.