Fewer words or slower progress
Your toddler may not be adding new words as expected, may rely mostly on gestures, or may not be combining words by the age you were told to expect.
Language Development Screening for Toddlers and Young Children
If you’re wondering whether your child’s speech and language skills are on track, this page can help you understand common milestones, when to seek a language development screening, and what to do next with confidence.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance about language development screening
Share what you’re noticing about your child’s words, understanding, and communication so you can see whether a speech and language screening for children may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.
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When parents start thinking about a language development screening
Many families look for a child language development assessment when a toddler is not using as many words as expected, is hard to understand, is not combining words, or does not seem to understand language well. Sometimes concerns come up during everyday routines, and sometimes they come up during a language screening at a well child visit. A screening does not diagnose a condition, but it can help identify whether your child may benefit from closer follow-up, early support, or a referral for a fuller evaluation.
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Signs that may point to a need for screening for speech and language delays
Difficulty understanding or being understood
You may notice your child has trouble following simple directions, seems confused by everyday language, or is difficult for familiar adults to understand.
Loss of language skills
If your child used words, sounds, or communication skills before and now uses them less often or not at all, it is a good idea to seek guidance promptly.
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When to get a language development screening
At a well child visit
Pediatric language development screening often happens as part of routine developmental care, especially if you or your child’s doctor have concerns.
When milestones seem off
If your child’s communication skills seem behind compared with expected toddler language milestones, early language screening for kids can help clarify next steps.
Any time your instincts say something is different
Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes. If something feels off, it is reasonable to ask about a language delay screening for preschoolers or toddlers rather than waiting.
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What a screening can help you do next
Track concerns clearly
A screening helps organize what you are seeing at home, including speech clarity, word use, understanding, and social communication.
Know whether to monitor or follow up
Some children need continued observation, while others may need a referral for a more complete child language development assessment.
Start support earlier if needed
If there are concerns, early action can make it easier to connect with pediatric, speech-language, or early intervention resources.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a language development screening?
A language development screening is a brief check of how a child is using and understanding language. It looks at skills such as words, combining words, following directions, and being understood. It helps identify whether more follow-up may be needed.
Is speech and language screening for children the same as a full evaluation?
No. A screening is a first step that looks for possible concerns. A full evaluation is more detailed and is usually done if the screening, your observations, or your pediatrician suggest that a closer look would be helpful.
When should I ask for a toddler language milestone screening?
You can ask any time you are concerned, especially if your child is not using as many words as expected, is not combining words, is hard to understand, does not seem to understand language well, or has lost skills.
Can language screening happen at a well child visit?
Yes. Language screening at a well child visit is common, especially when parents or pediatricians have questions about communication milestones or possible delays.
What if my child is bilingual?
Children learning more than one language can still be screened thoughtfully. It is important to consider skills across all languages your child hears and uses, rather than judging development based on only one language.
Personalized assessment
Get personalized guidance for your child’s language concerns
Answer a few questions about your child’s communication, understanding, and milestones to see whether a language development screening may be the right next step to discuss with your pediatrician.