“I Can’t Understand My Child!” - When to Seek Help for Speech Sound Development

Many parents have had that moment: you lean in, smile, and ask your child a question—only to hear a jumbled response you can’t quite decode. It’s common to wonder, “Should they be talking more clearly by now?”

Here’s the good news: many sound errors are completely typical in early childhood. But sometimes, those speech sound difficulties stick around longer than expected, making it harder for your child to be understood by others.

You might notice:

• Dropping sounds (“tup” instead of “cup”)

• Swapping sounds (“wed” instead of “red”)

• Speaking in a way only family members can understand

• Frustration when trying to communicate

These may be signs of an articulation or phonological disorder. That’s where we come in!

At Sprout Therapy Co., we make speech sound therapy fun and functional. Through play-based activities, movement, games, and visuals, we help your child practice correct sounds in a way that’s engaging and confidence-boosting.

The earlier we work on these skills, the easier it is for your child to build strong habits. If you're unsure whether your child’s speech is on track, reach out — we’re happy to help you navigate those early questions and next steps.