By age 3, most children are rapidly expanding vocabulary, forming short sentences, and becoming easier for unfamiliar listeners to understand. When a child is not meeting expected communication milestones, parents often wonder: “Will they catch up?” or “Should we wait?”

Speech delays at age 3 are common—but they are not something to “watch and wait.” Early speech and language intervention dramatically improves long-term outcomes in communication, learning, and social development.

This guide explains typical milestones, red flags to watch for, how therapy works, and helpful strategies families can use at home.

Typical Milestones at Age 3

By around 36 months, most children can:

Expressive Language (What they say)

• Use 2–3 word sentences (e.g., “Want juice,” “Daddy go work”)
  
• Have a vocabulary of roughly 200–900 words
  
• Ask simple questions (“What’s that?” “Where Mama go?”)
  
• Use pronouns such as I, me, you
  
• Talk about familiar routines

Receptive Language (What they understand)

• Follow 2-step instructions (“Get your shoes and bring them here”)
  
• Understand basic concepts (big/small, in/on, stop/go)
  
• Identify familiar objects and actions

Speech Clarity

• Be understood by familiar listeners 75% of the time
  
• Make many—but not all—speech sounds correctly

A 3-year-old does not need perfect articulation, but speech should be progressing steadily.

Red Flags: When Speech Delay Needs Evaluation

Speech and language delays can have many causes—including hearing issues, developmental differences, oral-motor challenges, tongue posture problems, or untreated airway and sleep issues. The following are reasons to seek evaluation promptly:

Red Flags for Expressive Delays

• Fewer than 50 words
• No two-word combinations
  
• Mainly gestures instead of words
  
• Limited imitation of sounds or words

Red Flags for Receptive Delays

• Difficulty following simple directions
  
• Not pointing to items when named
  
• Limited understanding of basic routines

Red Flags for Speech Clarity

• Unintelligible to family most of the time
  
• Frustration when unable to communicate
  
• Ongoing drooling or difficulty managing saliva

Oral-Motor or Airway Clues

These often overlap with speech delays:

• Mouth breathing
  
• Snoring or restless sleep
  
• Tongue restriction (tongue-tie)
  
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  
• Frequent gagging or picky eating
  
• Open-mouth posture

Airway and orofacial issues may require combined pediatric speech + myofunctional therapy.

If several red flags apply, visit:
/services/pediatric-therapy

How Therapy Works

Speech and language therapy is individualized, play-based, and highly effective—especially when started early.

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

A pediatric SLP assesses:

• Speech sound development
  
• Vocabulary and sentence formation
  
• Understanding and following directions
  
• Social communication
  
• Oral-motor skills
  
• Tongue posture and coordination
  
• Breathing patterns

Hearing screening may also be recommended.

2. Treatment Plan

Therapy typically includes:

• Modeling and expanding language
  
• Teaching new sounds and word combinations
  
• Improving clarity and intelligibility
  
• Strengthening oral-motor patterns (when relevant)
  
• Parent coaching for at-home follow-through

Therapy is structured around fun, play-based tasks to keep children engaged.

3. Addressing Coexisting Factors

If needed, therapy may include:

• Myofunctional strategies for breathing or swallowing
  
• Feeding support
  
• Collaboration with pediatricians, ENTs, or orthodontists
  
• Sleep-related screening if airway issues are suspected

4. Frequency

Most children attend weekly sessions and show measurable progress within weeks.

To find a location near you:
/locations

Home Supports: What Parents Can Do

Parents play a key role in supporting communication growth.

1. Expand, Don’t Correct

If your child says:
“Doggy run,” try:
“Yes! The doggy is running fast!”

2. Build Language Through Routines

Narrate daily activities:
“We’re washing hands. Water on… soap… rub rub rub.”

3. Offer Choices

“Do you want the blue cup or the red cup?”

4. Pause Strategically

Give time for your child to attempt a word before stepping in.

5. Reduce Background Noise

TV and tablets reduce opportunities for natural speech practice.

6. Read Daily

Books expose children to new vocabulary and sentence structures.

7. Encourage Pretend Play

Pretend play builds sequencing, imagination, and expressive language.

FAQ

Will a child catch up?

Some children do—but many do not without support.
Early therapy prevents long-term challenges with reading, social skills, and academic success. The earlier therapy begins, the faster the progress.

Do we need a referral?

Often, no. Many families self-refer directly to pediatric therapy.
Some insurance plans require a referral; others do not. If unsure, our team can guide you.

Is virtual therapy viable?

Yes. Teletherapy for preschoolers is effective when:

• Sessions are play-based
  
• Parents participate
  
• Activities are customized
  Many families use virtual sessions successfully when scheduling or distance is an issue.

Learn more:
/services/pediatric-therapy