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Free check · Sound Bridge Speech & Hearing Clinic

Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?

A free 2-minute speech and language check for parents. Choose your child's age, answer a few yes/no questions and see whether a speech assessment is advised.

This check needs JavaScript to show your result. You can still read the questions below, or WhatsApp us to talk to the clinic.

How old is your child?

For babies under 12 months, use our baby hearing checklist.

Does your child say at least one or two words, other than “mama” and “dada”?
Does your child point to show you something interesting, or to ask for something?
Does your child turn and look when you call their name?
Does your child understand simple words like “no”, “bye-bye” or the names of family members?
Does your child follow a simple instruction with a gesture, like “give me the ball” while you hold out your hand?
Does your child copy sounds, gestures or words, such as waving bye-bye?
Does your child use at least 10 words?

Words can be unclear, as long as your child uses them for the same thing each time. Count words in all the languages your child hears.

Is your child learning new words every few weeks?
Does your child point to at least two body parts when you ask, like “Where is your nose?”
Does your child follow a simple instruction without a gesture, like “bring your shoes”?
Does your child point to pictures in a book when you name them?
Does your child look at you and respond when you talk to them?
Does your child use at least 50 words?

Count words in all the languages your child hears.

Does your child put two words together, like “more milk” or “daddy go”?
Do family members understand at least half of what your child says?
Does your child follow two-step instructions, like “pick up the cup and give it to me”?
Does your child respond when called by name?
Does your child point or use gestures to show you things?
Does your child use sentences of three or more words?
Do people who know your child understand most of what they say?
Does your child ask questions using “what”, “where” or “who”?
Does your child answer simple questions, like “What do you do when you are hungry?”
Does your child tell you about things they did, such as at nursery or at a relative's house?
Does your child speak without often getting stuck on sounds or words in a way that frustrates them?
Do people who don't know your child understand most of what they say?
Does your child speak in full sentences and tell you a simple story about something that happened?
Does your child follow instructions with two or three steps?
Does your child answer “why” and “how” questions about everyday things?
Does your child say most speech sounds correctly?

Sounds such as r, s, sh and th can still be developing at this age.

Does your child speak without often getting stuck on sounds or words in a way that frustrates them?
Do almost all people understand your child's speech?
Does your child use long, well-formed sentences in their main language?
Can your child retell a short story in order, with a beginning, middle and end?
Does your child follow instructions at school or at home without needing them repeated many times?
Does your child speak smoothly, without often getting stuck on sounds or words?
Is your child's voice usually clear, without hoarseness that lasts for weeks?
Has your child stopped using words or skills they used to have?
Are you worried about your child's hearing, or do they often not respond to sounds?

Quick answer: A child may need speech therapy if they are not reaching the usual speech and language milestones for their age, are hard to understand, stammer with frustration, or have lost words they used to say. This free check compares your answers with common milestones and tells you whether an assessment is advised.

How this speech check works

Choose your child's age, then answer about six yes/no questions on how your child understands, talks and interacts. Two final questions ask about lost skills and hearing, because both need prompt attention. The questions are based on widely used speech and language milestones, written in plain language for parents.

Your result is one of three: on track, watch closely or assessment recommended. Each result explains what to do next. If you would like to talk to us, the WhatsApp button opens a message with your child's age band and result already filled in.

Speech and language milestones at a glance

A general guide. Children develop at different rates; a speech therapist can tell you whether your child needs support.
AgeMost children can…
12–18 monthsSay a few words, point to show you things, respond to their name, follow simple instructions with gestures
18–24 monthsUse 10 or more words and learn new ones every few weeks, point to body parts and pictures
2–3 yearsUse about 50 or more words, join two words together, follow two-step instructions
3–4 yearsUse sentences of three or more words, ask “what” and “where” questions, be understood by familiar people
4–5 yearsTell simple stories, follow multi-step instructions, be understood by most people
5 years+Speak clearly to everyone, retell stories in order, follow classroom instructions

Signs that a child should see a speech therapist

If any of these apply, book an assessment rather than waiting.

Speech delay or a hearing problem?

Children learn to talk by hearing speech, so even a mild or temporary hearing loss, such as from repeated ear infections, can slow speech and language. That is why a hearing test is often recommended alongside a speech assessment. Sound Bridge is both an audiology clinic and a speech therapy clinic, so both can be checked in one place.

Children learning more than one language

Many children in Bhubaneswar hear Odia, Hindi and English at home. Learning several languages does not cause speech delay. When you answer the questions, think about all the words and sentences your child uses across every language.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should a child start speech therapy?

There is no minimum age. A speech and language assessment can be done as soon as there is a concern, even before age 2. Early support usually works best, so it is better to ask early than to wait.

Is this speech check a diagnosis?

No. It is a screening guide based on common speech and language milestones. Only an assessment by a speech therapist can confirm whether a child has a speech or language difficulty.

My child understands everything but doesn't talk much. Should I wait?

Good understanding is a positive sign, but if your child is not using words as expected for their age, an assessment is still worthwhile. Waiting and seeing can delay support that helps.

Does learning two or three languages cause speech delay?

No. Children can learn Odia, Hindi and English together. They may mix languages, which is normal. When counting words, include all the languages your child uses.

What happens at a speech assessment at Sound Bridge?

The speech therapist talks with you about your concerns, then plays with and observes your child to understand how they listen, understand, use words and pronounce sounds. Findings and next steps are explained, and a hearing test may be suggested.

More free checks

See all free speech and hearing checks.

Read more about speech therapy in Bhubaneswar.

This tool is general education and screening only and does not replace a personal clinical assessment.

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