You Know Something Is Off. Here’s Exactly What to Do Next

Step-by-step guidance on talking with your pediatrician, requesting an evaluation, finding the right speech-language pathologist, understanding early intervention, and paying for speech therapy.

You do not need to be certain that your child has a delay before asking questions. An evaluation can help clarify what your child is doing well and where support may be helpful.

Four Steps From Concern to Care

01

Recognize the Signs

Understanding what you’re seeing is the first step. Know which signs warrant action — and which fall within the range of normal.

02

Get an Evaluation

A speech-language evaluation is where the process officially begins. Know what to expect, how to ask for one, and what happens next.

03

Find the Right SLP

Not all speech therapists specialize in young children. Know what to look for, what questions to ask, and where to search.

04

Understand the Cost

Speech therapy is often covered — partially or fully — by insurance or state programs. Know your options before you assume it’s out of reach.

First Steps

Start here if you have a concern about your child’s speech or language. These articles will help you know what to do first.

Helpful Resources

While You Wait

Simple things you can do at home while you wait for an evaluation or speech therapy to begin.

Finding the Right Speech-Language Pathologist

Learn what speech-language pathologists do, how to compare therapy settings, and what to look for when choosing the right professional for your child.

Choose the Right SLP

Understanding Speech Therapy Costs and Insurance

Learn what speech therapy may cost, how insurance coverage works, and where families can look for lower-cost options.

Cost and Coverage

FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3

Early Intervention — The Free Program Most Parents Never Hear About

If your child is under 3 years old, there is a federally mandated program in every U.S. state that provides free speech therapy evaluations and services. It’s called Early Intervention — and you don’t need a doctor’s referral, a diagnosis, or insurance to access it. You just need to call.

Most families who qualify never find out about it until their child has already aged out at age 3. These four pages make sure you’re not one of them.

Key Facts

Not Sure Where Your Child Falls?

Our free speech screener takes less than 3 minutes.
Answer a few questions and we’ll tell you whether their development
looks on track — or whether it’s worth talking to an SLP.

No sign-up required. Takes about 3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a speech evaluation without a pediatrician’s referral?

Yes, in many cases. Parents can contact their state’s early intervention program directly for a child under age 3; a doctor’s referral is not required. You may also contact a private speech-language pathologist directly, although your insurance plan may require a referral before it will cover the evaluation or therapy.

What happens during a toddler speech evaluation?

A speech-language pathologist talks with you about your child’s development, listens to your concerns, and watches your child communicate during play. The evaluation may look at understanding, gestures, words, speech sounds, social communication, and feeding when relevant. The SLP then explains what they observed and whether therapy, monitoring, or other support may be helpful.

Will insurance cover speech therapy?

It may. Coverage depends on your child’s insurance plan, why therapy is recommended, whether the speech-language pathologist is in network, and whether the plan requires a referral or prior authorization. Some plans also limit the number of covered visits or require families to meet a deductible or pay a copay. Before starting therapy, call the insurer and ask specifically about speech-language pathology or habilitative services for children.

Is early intervention free?

Early intervention programs are publicly funded and are available in every state and territory. Evaluations and service coordination are generally provided at no cost. Ongoing therapy may be free or offered at a reduced cost, but some states use insurance, sliding-scale fees, or other family payment systems. Contact your state’s early intervention program to learn about local costs and eligibility rules.