Does Your Child Need Help with a Speech Delay? Burbank Speech Therapist Explains

As a parent, you know your child best. So when something feels off—like your toddler isn’t talking much, or your preschooler struggles to form clear words—it’s normal to wonder if something more is going on. If you’ve found yourself searching for help with speech delay Burbank, you’re not alone.

Speech and language delays are more common than many people realize. The good news is that support is available, and with early intervention, most children can make meaningful progress. In this article, we’ll help you understand what a speech delay looks like, how to know when to seek help, and what to expect from speech therapy services in the Burbank area.

What Is a Speech Delay?

A speech delay means that a child is not developing spoken language skills at the expected rate. While every child grows at their own pace, there are certain milestones most children reach within specific age ranges.

For example:

• By 12 months: Children typically say 1 to 2 words and respond to their name

• By 18 months: Many toddlers can say 10 to 20 words and use simple gestures

• By 2 years: Children often use 50 or more words and start combining two-word phrases

• By 3 years: Most can form short sentences and are understood by familiar adults

If your child is significantly behind in these milestones, or if their speech seems difficult to understand compared to other children their age, it could be a sign of a delay that needs professional support.

Common Signs of a Speech Delay

While every child is different, there are some red flags parents can look for. You might want to seek help with a speech delay in Burbank if your child:

• Is not babbling or making sounds by 9 months

• Rarely gestures or points by 12 months

• Struggles to say simple words like “mama” or “bye” by 18 months

• Uses very few words or doesn’t combine words by age 2

• Is difficult to understand, even to close family members, by age 3

• Shows frustration when trying to communicate

• Has a hard time following directions or answering questions

It’s also important to note that some children may have strong understanding (receptive language) but limited ability to express themselves (expressive language). Others may have difficulty in both areas.

If you have concerns, a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist can perform an evaluation and help determine whether your child needs therapy.

What Causes Speech Delays?

Speech delays can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Hearing loss or chronic ear infections

• Developmental delays or learning disabilities

• Neurological conditions, such as apraxia of speech

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Environmental factors, such as limited language exposure

Sometimes, no clear cause is identified—but that doesn’t make the delay any less real or important to address. The focus is always on helping your child strengthen their skills and reach their full communication potential.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

Speech therapy is one of the most effective ways to support children with speech delays. At Speech Evolution Therapy, therapy is personalized to each child’s needs and delivered in a fun, interactive way that keeps toddlers and young children engaged.

Our licensed and certified speech-language pathologists will assess your child’s current skills and create a treatment plan focused on:

• Expanding vocabulary

• Improving speech clarity

• Strengthening understanding of language

• Building confidence in communication

• Reducing frustration when trying to express needs

Therapy often looks like play—because that’s how children learn best. Through games, songs, stories, and other hands-on activities, children build skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

Why Early Intervention Matters

One of the most important things to know about speech delays is this: the earlier you intervene, the better. The toddler and preschool years are a critical window for language development. Waiting to “see if it gets better” can delay important support that could make a big difference.

Early intervention has been shown to improve not just speech outcomes, but also social skills, academic readiness, and overall confidence.

At Speech Evolution Therapy, we partner closely with parents to create a supportive, empowering experience for the whole family. You’ll receive updates on your child’s progress and strategies to use at home to reinforce therapy goals.

Does Your Child Need Help with a Speech Delay? Compassionate Support for Burbank Families

Located in Burbank, Speech Evolution Therapy offers specialized care for toddlers and young children experiencing speech and language delays. Our therapists are certified members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and bring years of experience, warmth, and child-focused expertise to every session.

In addition to serving families in Burbank, we also welcome children from Alhambra, Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Encino, Glendale, Malibu, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, and Tarzana. Therapy sessions are available in person and via teletherapy, with a focus on personalized, play-based care that builds trust and real results.

If you’re worried about your child’s speech development, don’t wait for the problem to go away on its own. Getting help with a speech delay in Burbank could be one of the most important steps you take for your child’s future.

At Speech Evolution Therapy, you’ll find a supportive environment where children are celebrated, not rushed. Our therapists work hand-in-hand with parents to nurture progress and make sure every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to grow.

To schedule a consultation or learn more, visit www.speechevotherapy.com.