“My child isn't talking”
This page explains the topic. The journey tells you what to do next, in order, one step at a time.
You're in the right place.
This page is about my child isn't talking.
Here's what we'll help you accomplish
- Understand what this is, in one sentence
- Know the 3 points that matter most
- Know what to gather (8 items)
- See the order things usually happen in
- Leave with one next step
- About 10–15 minutes to read this page — less if you only need today's step.
- You don't need to do everything today.
Today's next step
Understand the words being used
Speech, language, expressive, receptive — what each one means.
Open the full speech delay pageJust this one thing. The rest can wait.
The short version — reading the rest is optional
This page explains the topic.
- Speech, language, expressive, receptive — what each one means.
- The four things an evaluator will want from you.
- NIDCD and CDC, shown as published rather than merged.
Educational sequencing only — not individual legal, medical, financial or educational advice.
Do this next
Understand the words being used
Speech, language, expressive, receptive — what each one means.
Open the full speech delay pageMy child isn't talking: the steps
- Understand the words being used
- Write down what you notice
- Compare against the official checklists
- Check hearing has been looked at
- Make the referral
The order most families move in
- Understand the words being used (you are here)Speech, language, expressive, receptive — what each one means.
- Write down what you notice
- Compare against the official checklists
- Check hearing has been looked at
Guided path: My child isn't talking
This page explains the topic. The journey tells you what to do next, in order, one step at a time.
This is an educational pathway, not individualized medical advice. It cannot tell you whether your child has a speech delay, and it is not a substitute for an evaluation by a qualified professional.
- 1Understand the words being usedSpeech, language, expressive, receptive — what each one means.
- 2Write down what you noticeThe four things an evaluator will want from you.
- 3Compare against the official checklistsNIDCD and CDC, shown as published rather than merged.
- 4Check hearing has been looked atThe quickest thing to rule in or out.
- 5Make the referralUnder 3, you can refer yourself, and a 45-day clock starts.
- 6Take your questions to the appointmentTwo ready lists: one for the SLP, one for Early Intervention.
- 7Find your state's programmeHow referral actually works where you live.
- 8Find local providersSet a location and see who serves that area.