Checklist
Speech and language checklist by age
Late talker or just taking their time? Five age bands of yes-or-no questions, plus the words most kids are saying by now.
Free from Oaklin Lane’s therapists. Nothing here is a diagnosis, and if something feels off, that’s enough to ask.
How it works
Pick the age band closest to your child: 12–18 months, 18–24 months, 2–3, 3–4 or 4–5 years. You’ll see 15 things most kids that age can say, understand or do with language. Tap Yes or Not yet for each. It takes about two minutes, your answers stay on your phone, and there is no sign-up.
These are the same questions our speech-language pathologists hand to families, pediatricians and preschools. They cover talking, understanding and listening, because a late talker and a child who has trouble understanding need different kinds of help.
What your result means
Looks on track. One “not yet” or none. Keep reading, singing and narrating your day together.
Worth a conversation. Two to four “not yet” answers. Some kids are late bloomers and some need a nudge. A speech screening tells you which.
Let’s take a look. Five or more “not yet” answers. This is where our speech-language pathologists would want to meet your child. Early help works, and an evaluation is often covered by insurance.
Bilingual families
Learning two languages does not cause a speech delay. Count words and skills across every language your child uses. If your child is behind in all of them, that’s worth a look.
A note on this checklist
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. An evaluation with a licensed speech-language pathologist is the only way to know for sure.
Questions families ask
How many words should my 2-year-old say?
Most 2-year-olds use about 50 words and are starting to put two words together, like “more milk.” By 3, most have 200 words or more and use short sentences.
Is it normal for boys to talk later?
Boys are, on average, a little later than girls, but only by a few weeks or months. “He’s a boy” is not a reason to wait if your child is missing several milestones.
My child aged out of ECI. What now?
Early Childhood Intervention ends at age three. Families can start outpatient speech therapy with us right away, and we coordinate with your child’s school district if they qualify for school services too.
Does insurance cover speech therapy?
Many plans and Texas Medicaid cover speech therapy when it’s medically necessary. We check your benefits before your first visit.
Does Oaklin Lane keep my answers?
No. Your answers stay in your browser on your own device unless you choose to request an evaluation.
