May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Communication is essential to everyday life—from expressing needs and thoughts to reading, writing, and connecting with others. When a child or adult has a communication disorder, these everyday moments can become challenging for both the individual and their caregivers.

Although communication disorders are very common, many people don’t know where to turn for help—or even that help exists at all. There’s not much more fundamental to a person’s quality of life than their ability to communicate. Working with a speech-language pathologist can make a tremendous difference, not just for individuals with communication challenges, but for their caregivers and care partners as well.

A 2025 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association poll found that 60% of caregivers say communication breakdowns make daily life more difficult. However, more than 90% of those who worked with a speech-language pathologist said they would recommend them to others. SLPs diagnose and treat communication disorders across the lifespan and help families build practical strategies to support everyday communication in home, school, and community settings.

SpeechWorks is dedicated to helping children become confident communicators by guiding families with simple, practical strategies they can use in daily routines.

Tips for Caregivers of Children With Speech and/or Language Disorders

Speech and language challenges are among the most common developmental concerns in children. Early support can help children strengthen communication, learning, and social skills. Fujimoto offers the following guidance for caregivers:

• Focus on the message, not the mistakes. If a child mispronounces a word, uses the wrong term, or struggles to express themselves, allow them to finish their thought. Then, respond naturally using the correct word or phrase without drawing attention to the error. The goal is to encourage communication—not perfection.
• Respond to their communication attempts. Give your child full attention when they are trying to communicate. Make eye contact and respond positively to show that their message matters and is valued.
• Expose them to rich and varied language. Talk about what you are doing throughout daily routines, use a wide range of vocabulary, read together, and sing songs. Watching shows together and discussing what you see can also support language growth.
• Use the language you are most comfortable with. Exposure to more than one language does not delay speech or language development. In fact, multilingual exposure can offer long-term benefits.

When to Seek Help

ASHA’s communication milestones charts can help caregivers understand typical developmental expectations. Missing a single milestone is not necessarily a concern, as children develop at different rates. However, if a child is missing multiple milestones within an age range, it may be helpful to consult a pediatrician and schedule an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist.

Early intervention is strongly encouraged. The early years—especially birth to age 3—are a critical period for brain development and language learning. Addressing concerns early can lead to more effective outcomes, though support can be beneficial at any age.

An evaluation does not always lead to therapy. In some cases, families are reassured that development is on track, helping reduce unnecessary worry. In other cases, it provides clarity and direction for next steps and support options.

Speech and language disorders are among the most common conditions affecting young children. While often treatable, delaying support can sometimes contribute to later academic, social, or behavioral challenges.

Visit IdentifytheSigns.org and www.asha.org/public for more information. To schedule an evaluation with SpeechWorks, call 262-490-5653.

Learn more:

• ASHA Communication Milestones
• Signs of Speech and Language Delays
• Speech and Feeding Development Information
• Find a Speech-Language Pathologist